Area Tournament: Vina upsets top-seed Phillips to advance to area finals
The Vina Red Devils pulled off the high school equivalent of a 16-seed beating a one-seed to kick off March Madness.
Vina, a four-seed in Class 1A Area 14, beat the top-seeded Phillips Bears 71-67 Tuesday night to advance to the finals of the area tournament, where they will play Hackleburg. The Panthers beat Belgreen 29-28, ending the Bulldogs’ season. The game will be played at Phillips Friday night.
The win guaranteed the Red Devils a spot in the subregion next week. It was Vina’s 11th win of the season.
“I could say so much,” said Vina coach Randy Barnes. “The kids, the school and community deserved this win. They’ve trusted me from the get-go, and now they see we can overcome.
“We are going to enjoy the biggest win in Vina boys basketball history and also get back to work tomorrow.”
In varsity girls action, Belgreen beat Phillips easily to advance to the finals. The Bulldogs will host Hackleburg Thursday night. The Panthers beat Vina 45-43 to end the Red Devils’ season.
Class 2A
In Class 2A Area 10, the Red Bay boys cruised to an easy win over Lamar County. The Tigers will host Sulligent Friday night at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils and an equally impressive win over Winston County, sending them to the finals.
The Red Bay varsity girls were eliminated Monday night, losing to Lamar County 48-45.
In Class 2A Area 16, the Tharptown boys and girls were both eliminated from postseason play.
Class 3A
In Class 3A Area 15, the Phil Campbell girls beat Colbert Heights Monday night 55-31 to advance to the finals on Thursday night. The Bobcats will host Danville. The Hawks beat Colbert County 46-39.
The Phil Campbell boys beat Danville 51-39 to advance to the finals of the area tournament Friday at Colbert County High School. The Bobcats will play Colbert County, at Colbert County, Friday at 6 p.m. The Indians easily beat Colbert Heights to advance to the finals.
Class 5A
In Class 5A Area 15, the Russellville girls were eliminated by West Point 61-45. The boys play Wednesday night in the semifinals.
