Russellville boys, girls advance to final
- J.R. Tidwell/FCT Jackson Smith attempts a lay-up for Russellville against R. A. Hubbard Monday night.
J.R. Tidwell
jr.tidwell@fct.wpengine.com
FLORENCE — People who follow the Russellville boy’s varsity basketball team know the name and likeness of Will Bostick.
Bostick had 10 points for the Golden Tigers against the R. A. Hubbard Chiefs Monday night at the TimesDaily Classic in Russellville’s 63-51 win, but his usual commanding performance was greatly overshadowed by a teammate on that night.
Jackson Smith, a 5’10” junior, scored 20 points for Russellville Monday night, accounting for almost one-third of the Golden Tigers points in the game.
“Overall our team was good,” Russellville head coach Michael Smith said. “Other people stepped up when Will only scored 6 points late, especially Jackson.”
The Golden Tigers picked up a convincing 12-point win against the Chiefs, but the game was much closer than the final score let on.Halfway through the opening quarter Russellville only had a slight 7-6 lead.
The margin grew to 22-11 at the end of the first, but R. A. Hubbard narrowed the gap to 34-30 at the intermission.The Chiefs hung in the game late, keeping the contest a close 49-43 at the end of the third quarter.
It was only late in the fourth that Russellville managed to take a double-digit lead and pick up the win.
Russellville played Florence in the championship round of the tournament in Flowers Hall at UNA Tuesday night, but results were not available at press time.
Russellville Girls Varsity 45, Muscle Shoals 26
The Russellville Lady Golden Tigers picked up an easy win against the Muscle Shoals Lady Trojans Monday night at the TimesDaily Classic in Flowers Hall at UNA.
Muscle Shoals kept the contest close early on, keeping Russellville’s lead to 11-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The Lady Golden Tigers lit up the scoreboard in the second, however, going on a 13-5 run to take a 24-14 advantage at halftime.
“It’s a win,” Russellville head coach James Bostick said.
The Lady Golden Tigers kept an easy lead the rest of the night, winning by 19. Taylor Smith and Amber Elliot led Russellville in scoring with 9 points each.