By: Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Stanhope Elmore Girls’ basketball team recently moved up to #6 in the Class 6A rankings put out by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. It is the highest the program has been ranked since Head Coach Kelvin Stokes took over 12 years ago.
“I think the ranking shows the reflection of talent and hard work the players have put in. I think it is well deserved,” said Coach Stokes.
The Mustangs showcased why they have that lofty ranking during three blowout wins this week.
On Tuesday, the Mustangs traveled to Marbury and won 87-18. Kuraji Crosby led all scorers with 31 points and had 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Heaven Bailey had 19 points, 13 steals, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds.
On Thursday, the Mustangs won another road game at Tallassee, 52-28. Bailey had 19 points again, along with 8 steals, 8 assists, and 2 rebounds. Teonna Davis had a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists, and 1 block. Aubrey Newton also finished in double figures with 10 points.
On Friday, the Mustangs returned home and defeated Elmore County, 87-32. Bailey had 30 points, 7 steals, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Crosby had 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. Laila Zeigler had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Coach Stokes was pleased with his team’s performances during the week.
“I think they played as cohesively as possible. They executed the game plan to perfection and made it look effortless. Everyone played their role and got their teammates involved when possible. The leads we had in the last three games gave my reserves an opportunity to play and gain more confidence,” said Stokes.
With the three wins, the Mustangs record improves to 13-2 on the season. The Mustangs will travel to Calhoun for a mid-week game, before playing in the Big Orange Classic next weekend at Hoover High School, whose girls team is ranked #1 in Class 7A. The tournament will give the Mustangs a chance to play some teams they normally wouldn’t play, in a big environment that will feature dozens of other top-ranked teams. Stanhope Elmore will play Pleasant Grove on Friday and Vestavia Hills on Saturday.
“The tournament will give us an opportunity to play other talented teams from around the state,” said Coach Stokes. “It will give us an opportunity to gauge our competitiveness against different talent to see how we measure up as we strive to become state champs.”
