Selma High knocks off Gulf Shores in Class 6A Girls Southwest Regional

Published 4:15 pm Friday, February 14, 2020

Gulf Shores focused its gameplan on stopping Selma High point guard Rodericka Parker in their Class 6A Southwest Regional semifinal contest.

But Aeraonna Manuel and Saryah Pope stepped up as the Lady Saints prevailed 39-32 on Friday at Alabama State University.

The Lady Saints (18-6) will face Northridge in the Regional finals at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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Manuel and Pope each scored a team-high 11 points for the Lady Saints. Manuel also had 10 rebounds, overpowering the Lady Dolphins.

Parker finished with seven points, but had nine assists, passing when the Lady Dolphins’ defense covered her.

“We changed our defense and Gulf Shores wasn’t prepared for it,” Lady Saints coach Wil Morgan said. “We went to a soft 1-3-1 zone defense and it caught them off guard.”

Selma jumped out to a 14-6 first quarter lead and never trailed again.

The Lady Saints continued their onslaught in the second quarter, leading 25-14 af halftime.

Selma took a 36-20 lead into the game’s final eight minutes.

Gulf Shores made a run in the fourth quarter, but it was too late. Selma was in control.

Baliegh Baggett led Gulf Shores with 12 points, Olivia Annan added 11 points.