ARLEY, Ala. – Addison traveled to Meek High School Tuesday night as the Tigers were the host for the Area 13 tournament. Second place Addison would play third place Shoals Christian in the first game while area champ Meek would host fourth place St. Bernard in the nightcap. Addison cruised to a comfortable and much easier than expected 62-34 win.
The Addison men came out ready to play and played perhaps their finest 5 minutes of the year. Addison’s pressing defense and pin point passing had Addison off and running. Addison jumped to a quick 14-0 lead and never looked back. It was a total team effort. “Lanky” Jacob McLamb had 6 points, while Jed “Wizard” Wilkins and Briley “Snake” Hayes had 4 points each. Hayes also led the Bulldogs with 5 rebounds in the period. Addison outrebounded the Eagles 15-3 in the first period. At the sound of the first period horn, it was 20-5 Bulldogs.
Sumiton Christian settled down in the second period and played pretty good basketball. Their shots didn’t fall with any great regularity but that was mainly due to the Bulldogs suffocating defense. Coach Scott Flynn went 11 players deep down his Bulldog roster playing everyone often and early. The Bulldogs and Eagles traded baskets for most of the period as Addison won the period 15-13 to take a 17-point halftime lead. Addison’s Josh “West Coast” Netherton had a solid slam dunk to lead the Bulldogs with 4 points. Bradley “Big Foot” Willette chipped in 4 points as well to go along with a blocked shot. Peyton “Rudi” Holland sank a three-pointer from the corner on his first shot attempt which fired up the crowd.
The second half began and both teams played pretty well. There was effort and hustle up and down the court. It just seemed that Addison was a step quicker and had a little more desire on the defensive end than the Eagles on this night. Addison won the period 14-11 to take a solid 49-29 lead into the fourth. Addison’s leading scorer Brady Gilbreath put in 5 points while Wilkins hit a three-pointer. Willette had 2 more blocked shots and altered a few more as he turned the Eagle players away from the paint. Hayes had 3 rebounds in the period and coincidentally all three were on the same possession on consecutive shots, which just shows tremendous desire and hustle.
The fourth period was just a wrap up as Addison outscored Sumiton Christian 13-5 for the final of 62-34. Gilbreath had 6 points while Wilkins chipped in 4 more. It was also Wilkins turn to dominate the glass as he grabbed 5 rebounds in the frame. Mr. Wilkins’ 5 rebounds were more than the Eagles team had in the entire period, 4.
Coach Flynn,
“This game was a ramp game. We had to win this one to lead us to in all probability playing Meek on Friday. We had the size advantage tonight and we played too it. We had a comfortable rebound advantage we shot the ball well. Everyone contributed and that is what we need to succeed. We actually want to play Meek because they have had our number this year beating us three times. The last time we played we lost by one possession in the county tournament, and we felt that we let that game get away. My guys will be ready on Friday night. One of our goals at the beginning of our season was to win the Area Tournament. That goal is still attainable.”
Unofficial Stats
Addison was led in scoring by Gilbreath with a game high 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Wilkins had 11 points, 9 boards and 1 steal. Willette had 8 points, 3 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Netherton had 8 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Hayes had 6 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and 1 steal. McLamb had 6 points and 6 boards. Tubb had 3 rebounds and caused four ulcers to opposing players. Hayden Holland had 3 points, 3 boards and a steal. P. Holland had 3 points and an assist. Elijah Roberts had a steal and a blocked shot.
Addison will play the winner of the Meek and Saint Bernard game at 6 p.m. Friday night at Meek.
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