Mike Self
Franklin Free Press
Laken Bragwell scored 15 points to lead three players in double figures, and Belgreen’s pressure defense held Theresa Duncan in check as the Lady Bulldogs beat Talladega County Central 50-41 to win the Bulldog Varsity Girls Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday.
Duncan, who scored 36 points to lead Talladega County Central past Pickens County 54-43 in the semifinals, managed just 16 in the finals against Belgreen (3-0).
“We really got after them and put constant pressure on them, trying to make them turn it over and take low-percentage shots,” Belgreen coach Richie Hester said. “Duncan is a great player, but she didn’t have her legs under her in that championship game quite as much as she did earlier in the day. This early in the season, everybody’s still trying to work their way into game shape.”
Lexie Bragwell added 13 points and Allyson Bragwell had 11 for the Lady Bulldogs, who led 16-7 at the end of one quarter. Talladega County Central rallied to cut the lead to 29-27 at the half, but Belgreen held TCC to just three points in the third quarter and extended the lead to 37-30.
The Lady Bulldogs then out-scored TCC 13-11 in the fourth quarter to hold on for the win.
Jasmine Martin added six points for Belgreen, and she finished the tournament with a team-high 14 steals. Abby Hester hit a three-pointer in the championship game and led the Lady Bulldogs with 20 assists in the tournament. Breanna Wood had two points in the finals, and senior Hanna Taylor finished the tournament with a team-high 22 rebounds.
In previous action at the Tip-Off Tournament:
Belgreen 72 Shoals Christian 17
Allyson Bragwell scored 16 points and Lexie Bragwell added 14 for the Lady Bulldogs, who led 19-6 after one quarter and 45-13 at the half.
Emma Riley finished with nine points for Belgreen, and Brooke Williams, Alex Miller and Jasmine Martin each added seven. Laken Bragwell had six, and Abby Hester had five.
Belgreen 65 Cherokee 31
Laken Bragwell had 13 points to lead a balanced scoring effort by the Lady Bulldogs in their first game of the season.
Lexie Bragwell and Breanna Wood each added 10 points for Belgreen, which led 18-5 after one quarter and 36-18 at the half. Jasmine Martin finished with nine points, and Allyson Bragwell had eight. Abby Hester and Hanna Taylor each scored five.
Belgreen’s game with Haleyville, originally set for Tuesday, was rescheduled for January. The Lady Bulldogs will return to action this Friday when they open Class 1A, Area 15 play at home against Vina.
No Comments »