By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

MONTGOMERY — Cornerstone Christian School junior guard B.J. Smith used a perfect analogy as he looked back on the Chargers’ 2011-2012 season following a 36-25 win over Lyman Ward Military Academy in an Alabama Independent Schools Association Class 1A semifinal contest Feb. 14 on the Huntingdon College campus in Montgomery.

With railroad tracks surrounding the Columbiana school’s campus, Smith said it’s been a challenging path to the Chargers’ first appearance in the AISA Class 1A championship game since capturing their only boys’ basketball state title in 2005.

“It’s been a long train ride,” Smith said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs and injuries. We’re clicking real good now.”

Cornerstone Christian (20-7) will face Crenshaw Christian Academy in the AISA Class 1A championship game Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Huntingdon.

Chargers’ coach Tim Smith remembered the excitement in the Columbiana community when Cornerstone Christian claimed its first state title. Smith said a similar atmosphere surrounds his team this season.

“We’re excited,” Smith said. “We were excited back then and we’re excited now. I’m just proud of this team.”

Kendall Moore, the leading scorer in school history, led the Chargers with 10 points in the semifinal victory.

Demetrouse Conwell added nine points off the bench in the second half, which helped Cornerstone Christian take the lead for good late in the third quarter.

“(Conwell’s points) were just huge,” Smith said. “It makes us pretty tough.”

Smith and Chase Payne chipped in six points each. Auston Wingard contributed three points. Sterling Reither finished with two points.