By Bart Moss / For the FCT

As expected, the Phil Campbell Bobcats made quick work of the Cleveland Panthers in the 2A subregion Monday night, winning 90-43.

The Bobcats forced 24 first-half turnovers and went on a 16-0 run to close out the first quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach early. The Bobcats will play Mars Hill Thursday at the Northwest Regionals at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville at 6 p.m.

“I was really proud of how our girls came out and executed the game plan tonight,” said Bobcat coach Craig Thomas. “We wanted to keep the ball out of their two best guards’ hands, and we limited them to a total of 16 points. Darby and Dakota Elliott did a great job defending their two best players. We did an excellent job of forcing turnovers and rebounding. We played well in our transition game.”

If there was an area of concern for the Bobcats, it was missed layups.

“We shoot the ball a lot,” said Thomas. “We average about seventy shots a game. So, we miss a lot, but we make a lot too. That’s is something we have to limit as we advance. We have to make the high percentage shots.”

Even though the game was effectively over early, the excitement lingered into the fourth quarter as senior point guard Darby Elliott chased her 1,000th career point. She hit the milestone at the 6:12 mark in the final period of play. Elliott, an unselfish point guard, usually posts big numbers in the assist column, but tonight she was to reach that goal in her last game on her home court.

“First, I’m just happy we won,” said Elliott. “I’m glad I was finally able to hit that mark. It has been a goal of mine. To do it on my last home game was extra special.”

Elliott quickly turned her attention back to the team and their goals.

“We hustle. We want to win,” said Elliott, who was hoisted on the shoulders of a swarming student body after the game. “Making it to back to Wallace was one of our team goals at the start of the season. We want bigger things, but right now it’s one game at a time. We are determined.”

Thomas said he was proud of his point guard.

“Darby has been with us since the ninth grade,” he said. “She is a true leader. She is our hardest worker in practice, she never complains and the team was excited for her and behind her tonight for those reasons.”

Phil Campbell led Cleveland 24-5 at the end of the first quarter and had extended the lead to 49-20 at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, the Bobcats led 74-30 and emptied the bench for the final quarter of play.

Elliott led the Bobcats in scoring with 20 points, 14 assists and nine steals. Abby Davis followed Elliott with 19 points and six rebounds. Kallie Allen sparked the Bobcats early with nine first-quarter points and ended the game with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Kaci Harris added seven points. Dakota Elliott, Caitlynn Mills and Carley Nix scored six points each. Chloe Roberson had five points and Emily Swinney two points.

Phil Campbell wins area for first time since 1993

Before they could take on subregion action, the Phil Campbell girls had to face the area tournament championship. The Lady Bobcats captured their first area championship in 25 years Thursday night with an easy 69-50 win over the Lamar County Bulldogs.

“This a great win for our program and the next big step for us,” said Bobcat coach Craig Thomas. “It’s the first time since 1993 that our girls have won the area. We played really hard last night and played well defensively.

“Going back to regionals is one of our goals every year. The girls have worked hard to make it happen.”

Phil Campbell doubled up the Lamar County Bulldogs in the first quarter 30-16 and extended that lead to 48-29 at halftime. Lamar County cut the Bobcats’ lead to 14 points in the third quarter, 54-40. The Bobcats outscored the Bulldogs 15-10 in the fourth quarter to cruise to the easy win.

Kallie Allen led Phil Campbell with 18 points and six steals. Abby Davis followed with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Chloe Roberson added 12 points and Dakota Elliott 11 points. Darby Elliott and Caitlyn Mills scored five points each. Carley Nix and Megan Bullock finished with two points each.

Semifinals: Phil Campbell 70, Sulligent 23

The Phil Campbell Bobcats didn’t waste any time putting away the Sulligent Blue Devils in their semifinal matchup Feb. 5. The Bobcats went on runs of 13-0 and 18-0 in the first half leading to the 70-23 blowout win, earning the right to face the Lamar County Bulldogs in the finals Friday night.

Semifinals: Lamar County 49, Red Bay 39

The Red Bay Tigers dominated the first quarter of their Feb. 5 semifinal matchup with the Lamar County Bulldogs, but then it all began to unravel. The Lady Tigers ultimately lost 49-39, ending their season much earlier than in recent years.