Russellville advances to WQSB finals

By Staff
Staff Reports
Franklin County Times
BOAZ – The Russellville boys pulled off a triple feat in the semifinals of the WQSB Holiday Classic Friday night.
Russellville made all 19 of its free throw attempts, including nine in the fourth quarter, and all five starters scored in double figures for the first time this season as the Golden Tigers beat Cherokee County 76-64 to advance to the tournament championship game against Pleasant Grove Saturday night.
Russellville improved to 12-0 and led the Warriors every quarter after opening up an early 25-17 lead after the first period.
Jermaine Bates led the Golden Tigers with 23 points, and Siran Winston added 12. Fellow starters Terence Smith, Jordan Hammond and Cory Trapp scored 11 points apiece, while Micah McCulloch had eight.
Russellville 68
Pinson Valley 62
Russellville fought off a comeback in the quarterfinal round of the WQSB Holiday Classic Thursday night to beat Pinson Valley 68-62.
The Golden Tigers jumped out to a 16-9 lead in the opening quarter and led by 11 points at halftime, but Pinson Valley stormed back in the third quarter with a 22-6 run to hold a 51-46 lead heading into the final period.
Russellville responded with 22-11 run in the fourth quarter to preserve the win and advance to the tournament semifinals.
Siran Winston led the Golden Tigers with 17 points, while Jermaine Bates, Terence Smith and Jordan Hammond each had 14 and Cory Trapp added nine.