By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Westbrook Christian shot a blazing 53 percent from the floor, including 44 percent from the 3-point arch, as the Warriors pounded Ashville, 87-51, on Tuesday (Feb. 9) in the semifinals of the Class 3A, Area 11 boys basketball tournament in Rainbow City.
Westbrook (28-3) will play Glencoe for the area championship on Thursday (Feb. 11).
“I’m proud of how hard the guys played tonight,” said Westbrook head coach Donnie Pruitt. “Everyone contributed. I’m pleased with how hard we played.”
Westbrook opened the game with a 10-2 run and never looked back, building a 27-13 after the first eight of play.
Chandler Richards and Kyle Leonard set the early tone for the game, each scoring six points in the opening quarter, during which the Warriors hit five 3-point baskets.
Westbrook continued its hot shooting as the hosts raced out to a 44-22 halftime lead. Kyle Leonard scored 12 of his game-high 18 points in the first half, while Richards added 10 of his 14 points in the first 16 minutes of play.
The third quarter saw much of the same, with Westbrook bombing five more 3-pointers as the Warriors built a 70-41 lead after the third period.
Westbrook outscored Ashville 17-10 over the final eight minutes to take the opening round win.
Will Jones added 15 points for the Warriors, followed by Cameron Migliore with 12. Edwards dealt out eight assists, while Tyler Self grabbed five rebounds.
Hunter Huckaby scored 15 points for Ashville followed by D’Angelo Williams with 11.