Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs’ girls basketball team started hot in their season opener at home against Prattville Christian Academy, leading 50-12 at half and winning by a final score of 85-40.
“I was very pleased with the team’s performance tonight,” said Stanhope Elmore Coach Kelvin Stokes. “They did a great job executing the plays and making sure everyone was involved. I’m happy with our scoring and defense.”
The Mustangs were led on the offensive and defensive end by point guard Heaven Bailey, a transfer from Montgomery Catholic. Bailey was named defensive player of the game with 14 steals. She was also the leading scorer with 23 points and added 8 assists and 3 rebounds.
The home fans got a glimpse of what Bailey is capable of when she got hot during a stretch in the 3rd quarter, draining a 3 point shot and following that up with a steal and a between the legs layup.
“A great guard is like a conductor at an orchestra,” said Coach Stokes. “Heaven makes it easy to play with. She sees the floor so well. Heaven did a great job tonight!”
The Mustangs also had three others in double digits. Kuraji Crosby filled the stat sheet with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Teonna Davis also had 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Aniya Burton had 11 points and 3 steals. Aubrey Newton was second on the team with 4 assists and added 5 points.
The Mustangs finished last season as the area runner-up and exited in the 1st round of the Class 6A playoffs. Coach Stokes has higher expectations for this year’s team.
“The keys to a successful season are defensive rebounding, making free throws, handling defensive pressure and being consistent. Our goals are to win the area, host the sub region, make it to the region, win the region, get to the Final Four and WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP,” said Coach Stokes.
The Mustangs return to the court in a few days, hosting Marbury on Thursday night and Chilton County on Friday night.
