Coach Todd Reynolds did a masterful motivational job before his fourth-seeded

Central-Hayneville Lions faced the top-seeded Pike team Thursday night.

Reynolds spent the week reading press clippings praising Pike to the team. Then on the bus ride to the game, he tore them up and gave each player a piece.

The Lions responded by going out and tearing up Pike, 76-57 in loser-go-home tournament play.

The win, Reynolds said, showed how his team used this season’s adversities to get stronger.

The 11-13 Lions released those frustrations on the 20-4 Pike team.

The Lions dominated the battle of the boards, 40-23 and hit 75 percent from the free throw line.

The Lions had five guys in double figures: Willie Patterson had 19, Tremayne Moorer had 19 and 14 rebounds, Jesse Harris 15 (13 in second half), Jermika Siegler had 12

and Jermond Blackmon 11 points and 14 rebounds.

For Pike, Reggie Griffin led with 19.

Reynolds said tough scheduling help his team come out stronger.