Belgreen’s Gabbie Moore put up 15 points against Hackleburg in the finals of Class 1A, Area 15 Friday night.

By Bart Moss for the FCT

Belgreen 47, Hackleburg 36 (Finals, 1A Area 15)

The Belgreen Bulldogs used an outstanding defensive effort and clutch free throw shooting to capture their area title Friday night, defeating the Hackleburg Panthers 47-36. The Bulldogs were 14-19 from the line and made eight straight to close out the game.

“I thought our defense in the Area tournament was some of the best defense we’ve played all season long,” said Belgreen Coach Chad Green. “We got after it, and it paid off.”

Belgreen jumped out to a 13-7 lead in the first quarter and maintained that lead through the second quarter to take a 22-16 lead at halftime. Hackleburg cut into Belgreen’s lead in the third quarter 31-27. The Bulldogs used the free throw line to secure the win in the fourth quarter.

“This was a great accomplishment for our girls and our program,” said Green.  “I think we will have an exciting atmosphere on Monday night for our subregion game. I believe we will bring a big crowd and lots of positive energy.”

Gabbie Moore and Allyson Bragwell led Belgreen with 15 points and 13 points respectively. Others scoring for the Bulldogs were Brianna Wood (9), Katie Dempsey (5), Johnna Oliver (3) and Jasmine Martin (2).

Red Bay 43, Phil Campbell 34 (Finals, 2A Area 15)

It is always difficult to beat good teams four times, and the top-ranked Red Bay Tigers found that out last Thursday night as they struggled to fend off rival Phil Campbell. The Bobcats led the Tigers 22-18 at halftime before Red Bay went on a 16-5 run in the third quarter to give the Tigers a 34-27 lead. It was just enough for Red Bay to seal the victory for the 2A, Area 15 championship.

“Phil Campbell has a good team, and they gave us all we wanted tonight,” said Tiger Coach Donnie Roberts.  “It is tough when you face a team that many times, especially when they are talented.

“We have to play better if we want to have a chance to repeat [as state champions]. That is our goal, and we are going to have to focus and understand there is a big target on our backs.”

Allie Kennedy and Darby Madden led Red Bay with 15 points and 14 points respectively. Morgan Pierce added ten points. Others scoring for Red Bay were Hope Cook (3) and Katie Burks (1).

Chloe Roberson led Phil Campbell with 13 points. Others scoring for the Bobcats were Elizabeth Benford (6), Darby Elliot (5), Abby Davis (4), Leah Gunderman (2), Dakota Elliot (2) and Carley Nix (2).

Belgreen 60, Phillips 45 (Semi-Finals, 1A Area 15)

The Belgreen Bulldogs advanced to the finals of their area tournament with a convincing win over the Phillips Bears last week. Belgreen led Phillips 13-11 before going on a 19-8 run in the second quarter to give the Bulldogs a comfortable 32-19 lead at halftime. Belgreen extended the lead even further in the third quarter to 52-33 before cruising to the win.

“Our girls played a really good defensive basketball game tonight,” said Belgreen coach Chad Green.

Gabbie Moore and Allyson Bragwell led Belgreen with 16 points and 13 points respectively. Others scoring for the Bulldogs were Jasmine Martin (8), Katie Dempsey (7), Brianna Wood (7), Johnna Oliver (4), Shellie Barber (3), and Emma Riley (2).