Messenger file photo by Alex Chaney
The Sardis girls basketball team’s historic season was extended by at least one more game last Thursday (Feb. 10) in Sardis City.
The Lady Lions defeated Douglas, 67-53, in the finals of the Class 5A Area 13 Tournament. It was the program’s first-ever area championship under the current format.
Sardis (25-7) led 15-7 after one period, 36-17 at halftime and 49-36 after three quarters.
For the Lady Lions, Saydi Rutledge knocked down six 3-point baskets, including five in the first half, on the way to a career high 20 points. She was named Tournament MVP.
Kaylen Wallace finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Belle Trammell, Kytha Edwards and Jayda Lacks each scored eight. Trammell (pictured above at left) also distributed seven assists. Caroline Johnson added six points, followed by Lily Towns with four and McKenzie Cullom with three.
Sardis hosts Fairview this Monday, February 14, in the Class 5A sub-regional playoffs.
In local boys action on Thursday, Etowah edged Cherokee County, 69-66, in the Class 4A Area 10 Tournament at Jacksonville. The Blue Devils will face Jacksonville, which beat Ashville, 109-49, in the finals on Saturday, Feb. 12.
Coosa Christian lost to Faith Christian, 77-54, in the semifinals of the Class 1A Area 10 Tournament in Anniston. Hayden Peek scored 30 points for the Conquerors, followed by Drake Albury and Jacoby Butler with eight each.