Bulldogs, Tigers advance to Northwest Regionals
By Bart Moss for the FCT
The Belgreen Bulldogs and Red Bay Tigers easily defeated their opponents Monday night to advance to the Northwest Regionals at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Belgreen defeated Hubbertville 64-34, and Red Bay defeated Southeastern 86-31. Belgreen will play in the regionals Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., and Red Bay will play Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.
Belgreen jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead and led Hubbertville 28-6 at the half. From there, the Bulldogs coasted to the victory.
“Our girls have kept improving from day one,” said Belgreen Coach Chad Green. “What they have done this year has been tremendous. They have kept working and kept buying into what we were trying to do, and it has paid off for them. Going to Wallace is a great reward for their efforts.”
Gabbie Moore led Belgreen with 21 points, including five three-pointers. She was followed by Allyson Bragwell with ten points. Others scoring for the Bulldogs were Gracie Dempsey (6), Nicole Borden (6), Kaliegh Vandiver (6), Johnna Oliver (5), Shellie Barber (4), Jasmine Martin (3) and Brianna Wood (3).
The 2A defending state champions, likewise, had no problems advancing to the regionals. Red Bay totally dominated Southeastern in the first quarter, 32-5. The Tigers’ two leading scorers, Allie Kennedy and Darby Madden, scored 13 points and eight points respectively in the first quarter alone. The Tigers led Southeastern 52-15 at the half and coasted to the win.
“Everyone got a chance to play and contribute tonight,” said Red Bay Coach Donnie Roberts. “Our goal from the beginning of the year was to repeat as state champions. It all started tonight, but it will start to get much tougher Friday at the regionals.”
Reagan Kuykendall was Red Bay’s leading scorer with 15 points. Kennedy followed with 14 points. Others scoring for the Tigers were Brooklyn Bolton (9), Madden (8), Brooke Shewbart (7), Hope Cook (7), Morgan Pierce (5), Mallori Miller (5), Carlee Humphres (4), Holly Hardin (3), Autumn Higginbottom (3), Katie Burks (3), Savannah Shaw (2) and Carlie Lindley (1).
Phil Campbell’s boys and girls, Tharptown’s boys and Russellville’s boys all played on Tuesday night, and the results were not available by press time. To stay informed, visit www.fct.wpengine.com or find Franklin County Times on Facebook or Twitter.
