Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Stanhope Elmore girls’ basketball team blew out Blount High School 81-48 on Friday night in the 1st round of the Class 6A playoffs to advance to the Sweet 16 of Class 6A.
“It was rewarding to host and win a playoff game,” said Stanhope Elmore Head Coach Kelvin Stokes. “All of the hard work we put in during the summer and during the season has paid off. It is always good to play in your own gym in front of your fans.”
The Lady Mustangs were led by junior Heaven Bailey, who scored 31 points and had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Kuraji Crosby also had 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Senior Aubrey Newton played her final game inside Mustangs’ gymnasium and scored 10 points and had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Teonna Davis also pulled down 10 rebounds and scored 6 points to go along with 2 steals, 2 assists, and 5 blocks.
“The key factor in the win against Blount was making shots and playing defense. We were also great from the free throw line,” said Coach Stokes.
The Mustangs will advance to the Class 6A South Regional, one of four regionals in the state, each hosting four teams. The winner of each regional will advance to the Class 6A Final Four.
“For us to make it back to the regionals means a lot…not for our team but for any team. For us it solidifies the achievement of set goals,” said Stokes.
But to win the regional, and advance to the Final Four, will be the toughest accomplishment of the Mustangs’ season. The Girls Class 6A South Regional appears to be the toughest regional of the four by far. All four teams in the regional appeared in the top 10 of the final Class 6A poll released in early February. In addition to #6 ranked Stanhope Elmore, the region is composed of defending state champion and #3 Park Crossing (25-3), #4 McGill-Toolen (24-4), and #7 Murphy (20-3).
The Mustangs’ Sweet 16 matchup will be against Park Crossing, the defending Class 6A champions. The Thunderbirds only three losses on the season are against a team from Georgia, along with Hoover, ranked #1 in Class 7A and Auburn High School, ranked #5 in Class 7A. Coach Stokes knows that the Mustangs will have to have a superb effort to advance to the Elite 8.
“Our team will have to remain consistent and focused throughout the game (against Park Crossing),” said Coach Stokes. “We have to play great defense and make our shots.”
