Belgreen wins third straight county title
The Franklin County Tournament had its fair share of blowouts throughout last week, but Saturday night’s varsity girls championship provided the fireworks fans had been waiting for.
In a classic “barn burner” that lived up to the hype, the Belgreen Bulldogs (16-7) outlasted the Phil Campbell Bobcats 58-54 to hoist the championship trophy. The tournament final was a back-and-forth war of attrition. The two teams were deadlocked at 10-10 after the first period and remained knotted at 21-21 heading into halftime.
The game opened up in the second half and it was Belgreen’s prowess from beyond the three-point arc that ultimately made the difference. The Bulldogs connected on a staggering 12 three-pointers throughout the contest with eight of those coming in the second half.
Tournament MVP Randi Terry led the charge for Belgreen with 16 points, including four shots from deep. However, it was a balanced team effort which pushed the Bulldogs over the finish line. Mackinley Hogan stepped up in a pivotal third quarter, scoring all eight of her points in the period, including two crucial three pointers Isabella Tate, Makenna Fisher, and Marlie Terry all chipped in eight points apiece, ensuring the Bobcats couldn’t focus their defense on just one shooter.
Phil Campbell did not go quietly, answering Belgreen’s perimeter shooting with strong play in the paint and transition. Layla Baker led all scorers with 17 points, nine of which came during a furious third-quarter rally. Leela Baker added 16 points, and Addie Gilbert contributed 10 in the losing effort.
Despite the Bobcats putting up 16 points in the final frame, Belgreen’s 18-point fourth quarter — bolstered by three late three-pointers — allowed the Bulldogs to maintain their slim lead until the final buzzer.
The competitive nature of the championship stood in stark contrast to the rest of the tournament field. In the semifinal games: Belgreen 71, Tharptown 14 — The Bulldogs punched their ticket to the finals with a defensive masterclass. Alayna Tate led the way with 12 points as Belgreen held the Wildcats scoreless in the third quarter.
Phil Campbell 50, Red Bay 13 — The Bobcats earned their spot in the title game by dismantling Red Bay. Layla Baker (13 points) and Georgia Motes (9 points) spearheaded an offense that scored 31 points in the first half alone.
In the quarterfinals: Belgreen 62, Vina 25 — Belgreen opened the tournament Tuesday night with a statement win. Terry set the tone for her MVP run with 15 points, while the Bulldog defense stifled Vina from the opening tip.
