The Selma Times-Journal

When the Morgan and Fort Dale girls match up on the basketball court, you can bet it’s going to be a physical battle.

Much was the same Friday night. The Lady Senators, after trailing at the end of the third period, battled back to take a 36-33 nail biter and take the AISA Region 1, Area 2 championship over the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Senators (15-7) used a stifling defense and got some key free throws down the stretch from tournament MVP Jaime Pilcher, who sank seven free throws in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.

“Jaime didn’t have one of her better offensive games, but she put her hands on the ball,” said Lady Senators coach Robert Andress.

The momentum turned for Morgan in the fourth quarter when Sarah Hughey drained a 3-pointer to pull the Lady Senators even.

Lady Eagles coach William Johnson said his bunch had a lot to overcome, especially since his top scorer, Abbey Martin, went to the bench in the first period after drawing two quick fouls.

“She’s been averaging 18 points a game,” he said. “It’s tough to try to do what we need to do with her in foul trouble.”

Emily Boulware led the Lady Eagles (14-13) with a game high 12 points, while Martin had 10 and Lori Fail scored five.

Hayes Cothran led the Lady Senators with nine points with Pilcher and Hughey each adding eight points, and Jaye Lyn Lawrence scored six points.