The Eagles forced a Cougars’ turnover and Trevious Sheppard scored on a mid-range jumper to extend Ellwood’s lead to double digits at 47-36.

Crenshaw cut the score to 47-40 after two straight baskets, but the Eagles answered back with a layup by Blevins to make it 49-40 with 5:30 left.

The Cougars got no closer than nine points, as the Eagles outscored Crenshaw 13-6 the rest of the way and used stingy defense to force their opponent into taking tough shots.

Sheppard led the Eagles with 22 points, including five 3-pointers, while Blevins added 20 points.

Edwards also had 10 points for the Eagles.

Ellwood has one regular season game remaining on the road at South Montgomery on Friday, but by virtue of winning their area, the Eagles have already clinched a return trip to Montgomery for a chance to defend their state title.