Morgan Senators can’t keep pace against Fort Dale
Published 8:04 pm Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Morgan Academy Senators fell to the Fort Dale Eagles Saturday afternoon but they live to fight — rather play — another day.
In the Class AAA Region 2 tournament, the Senators and Eagles met in the third place game. With both teams having already assured their spot in next week’s Class AAA Elite Eight tournament in Montgomery, Saturday’s game was all about seeding and pride.
Unfortunately for the Senators, the Saturday afternoon game was the third consecutive day on the court and the third consecutive quality opponent.
“I think we simply ran out of energy today. We’re a little drained,” Morgan head basketball coach Bob Taylor said following his team’s 59-48 loss to Fort Dale.
“This was the third quality opponent we have taken on — and the last two are among the best teams in the state,” Taylor said. “We’re going to take some time, reground, rest up and get ready for next week.”
With the loss, the Senators will now enter the Elite Eight tournament on a two-game losing streak, but with an impressive 21-8 overall record.
“We have played some good basketball and we are capable of playing good basketball in the tournament,” Taylor said. “Twenty-nine games is a lot of games, but we’ll be ready.”
Against Fort Dale, the Senators had their chances and their runs against a quality Fort Dale team. But, it was a devastating 15-0 run the Eagles went on to start the fourth quarter that put the game out of hand.
In the final quarter alone, Fort Dale scored 18 points to ice the game, despite a small rally on the part of Morgan late in the quarter to close within 11 points.
In trailing throughout the game, Morgan did tie the game at 38 late in the third quarter, thanks to sharp shooting, a full-court press defense and timely steals. But, Taylor said, that push to tie the game at 38 after trailing by double digits, was the most his team was able to put forth.
“We also did not have the best of days shooting the ball,” Taylor said. “We finished the game with — I think 30 percent. We need to be 35 to 40 percent to win. We didn’t do that today.”
Fort Dale was led by Taylor Windham and his 19 points, followed by Chip Taylor’s 13 points.
Dalton Lee scored 10 points to lead Morgan, followed by Connor Henderson who scored nine points. Zachary Singh and Trey Powe both added six points.
Meadowview claims regional championship on the road
MONROEVILLE — The Meadowview Christian School Trojans knocked off the Marengo Academy Longthorns Saturday afternoon at Alabama Southern Community College Saturday in the Class A Region 2 tournament.
The Trojans beat Marengo 49-32 to further solidify their position in the Elite Eight tournament next week.
En route to the victory, the Trojans beat Sumter Academy and Patrician Academy.