The Ellwood Christian Academy name may be new, but their basketball ability is certainly not.

The boys team has been to the AISA final four multiple times and that experience should help them when they take on Dixie Academy today at 10:30 a.m.

“We haven’t played them this year, but that doesn’t really matter,” head coach Carl Rawls said. “What we need to do is just focus on what we do best. Defense, rebounding and free throws. If we do that I think we can compete no matter who we play against.”

The Eagles (18-5) have been clicking the past seven games according to Rawls, which will help going into the game.

“They have done what we wanted them to do from the beginning of the season,” Rawls said. “As a result we are playing really well, there is no reason to change that.”

Rawls said the experience drawn from previous final four appearances should help the Eagles in their quest for a state championship.

“They know what to expect,” Rawls said. “That can help them relax when the time comes to play. It helps them enjoy the experience instead of being nervous, they can just enjoy this success because making it this far is successful in its own right.”

Rawls said the experience he has gained, as a coach would help as much as those of his players.

“It has helped me personally prepare,” Rawls said. “I know how to approach the game better now than the first time we came here. Its part of the reason we are down here early.”

The team traveled on Wednesday to stay overnight as a way to loosen up and bond before the game, according to Rawls.

They had dinner and watched a movie before heading back to the hotel for the team to gel together more and focus for the game.

“Above all else, this is a business trip,” Rawls said. “The boys know that, they will be ready.”