By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Hokes Bluff defeated Ashville on Jan. 31, 50-44, to win the Class 3A, Area 10 regular season title.
“This is something we really wanted to do,” Hokes Bluff head coach Jason Shields said. “A win over Ashville tonight would give us home-court advantage.”
The Lady Eagles led 38-28 heading into the final quarter and withstood a furious Bulldog run down the stretch for the win.
“It was a hard-fought game and I can’t say how proud I am of these girls for their effort not just tonight, but all season,” Shields added.
Destiny Montgomery connected on a 3-pointer in the first minute of the game to give Ashville the lead, 3-0. Hokes Bluff erased the lead immediately.
The game was knotted at 11-11 at the end of the first quarter, but Hokes Bluff held a 28-24 lead at intermission. The Lady Eagles outscored Ashville 10-4 in the third quarter to take a ten point advantage into the final frame.
Hannah Evans paced the Lady Eagles with 18 points followed by Summer Wilson with 12. Carlie Shields and Savannah Ward each added five assists and Elizabeth White grabbed six rebounds.
Ashville was led by Ebony Brooks with 15 points, followed by Autumn Swearengin with 14 and Destiny Montgomery with 11.
Hokes Bluff (23-4) will host the region tournament beginning Monday, Feb. 6. The Lady Eagles will play the winner of J.B. Pennington and Susan Moore.