Priceville’s Christian Lewis fights off West Morgan’s Jauquez Chairs. | Caleb Suggs

Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Just like they had in the previous three years, The Priceville Bulldogs and the West Morgan Rebels met in the Morgan County tournament. However, unlike their previous encounters, which took place in the championship games, this encounter took place in the opening the round of the tournament. It’s been a rough year for the two programs that have dominated the county tournament the past few years. The two teams have had to adjust to the loss of several players, and in West Morgan’s case a coach. However, that didn’t stop the two teams from putting on a strong performance.

West Morgan opened the game with a three point shot from Parker Henson and a three-point play from Gammon Morgan to give the Rebels a 6-2 lead. However, from there the Bulldogs went a 13-2 run to take the lead 15-8 at the end of the first. Andrew Hester and Brandon Speegle led the balanced attack.

In the second quarter, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 19-8, but the Rebels were able to trim the lead thanks in part to two three pointers from Peyton Smith. West Morgan got as close as 21-18 but the Bulldogs extended the lead to 26-20 at halftime.

In the third quarter, West Morgan went on a run to get back in the game. Morgan, Henson and Jauquez Chairs all had baskets to get the Rebels within three points. Alex Traynom then knocked in a shot to tie the game. The rest of the quarter went back and forth with Hester scoring three points to put the Bulldogs ahead 39-36. Priceville held off the Rebel’s comeback and went on to win 54-47. With the win Priceville moved on to the next round where they will me the top seed Brewer Patriots. Aubrey Richardson led the Bulldogs with 13 points while Andrew Hester had 10. Gammon Morgan led the Rebels with 17 points.

Priceville Head Coach Darrell Haynes was proud of his team for pulling it out at the end. “They got on a streak and hit a few shots but we just tried to do what we always do.” Haynes said. “Brewer is the best team in the tournament and that’s who we got next but we’re just happy to have the opportunity.”