Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Lady Lions opened Class 7A Area 5 play with a massive 63-56 home win over defending area champ and defending Class 7A runner-up, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. It was the first game in area play for both teams, and a huge step for the Lions’ hope of winning the area regular season and hosting the area tournament.
“Every area win is important,” said Prattville Head Coach Erica DuBois. “We know that Hillcrest is a strong area opponent. They have a good bit of returning players and starters after playing in the 7A state championship game last year. The main thing that I saw and wanted to see is that the girls competed and wanted to compete. With a very fast and physical game it is easy for some to give up and give in, but these young ladies pushed even harder each quarter. It was good to see the fight in them again.”
Once again, All-State performer and Shelton State commit KeLeigh Mullens led the Lions. Mullens scored 25 points to go along with 7 steals, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Jayda Lewis also had 16 points and Dayana Lewis had 9 points.
“The difference in the game tonight was resilience they played with and really making a conscious effort to play as a team through the good, the bad, the ups and the downs. They are learning how strong they are as a team and not just playing as individuals. This is a whole new group I have this year minus KeLeigh Mullens. I have some returning players but none that played at the capacity that they are having to play at now. So, to be honest, we are still growing together,” said Coach DuBois.
With the win, the Lions record improves to 13-4, and 1-0 in area play. Prattville will make two trips to Tuscaloosa in the next few days, playing at Tuscaloosa County on Friday and a rematch against Hillcrest on their home court next Tuesday.
Photos by Jalyssa Moore:
