Phil Campbell, Red Bay advance to subregions

It was a banner night for Franklin County girls basketball as both the Phil Campbell Bobcats and the Red Bay Tigers punched their tickets to their respective area championship games and secured vital spots in the upcoming AHSAA subregion tournament.

Phil Campbell 44 Sheffield 32 In the semifinals of the Class 3A, Area 15 tournament, the Phil Campbell Bobcats overcame early adversity to pull away from the Sheffield Bulldogs. With the win, the Bobcats advanced to face the Mars Hill Panthers for the area title on Tuesday. A win would mean the Bobcats will host a subregion game, but a loss means they will travel on Friday to Lauderdale County.

Leela Baker led all scorers with 21 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line.

Bailey Jewell was instrumental in closing the door on the Bulldogs, scoring 10 points and going 5-for-6 from the charity stripe in the second half. Georgia Motes added eight points, while Emily Walker and Addie Gilbert contributed two points each. Layla Baker rounded out the scoring with one point.

Red Bay 39 Lamar County 29 The Red Bay Tigers took care of business in the Class 2A, Area 10 semifinals, outlasting the Lamar County Bulldogs in a defensive battle.

Red Bay wasted no time establishing dominance, jumping out to a 14-5 lead in the first quarter. Katlyn Lindley provided the offensive spark early, scoring 11 of her teamhigh 16 points in the first half to give the Tigers a comfortable 25-11 cushion at the break.

Gracie Edgmon provided a major boost from the perimeter, knocking down three three-pointers for nine points. DaRilee Colburn matched her with nine points of her own.

Red Bay played the Sulligent Blue Devils on Monday in the area finals. The Tigers have secured a spot in the subregion this Friday.