RLS boys, girls in finals

Published 11:59 pm Monday, December 29, 2008

The Red Level Tigers won the first two games of their Christmas tournament, setting up a championship game against Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School Monday night.

Red Level (12-4) defeated Florala 80-55 in the opening round Friday night, and followed that up with a 87-55 win over McKenzie on Saturday. LAMP (10-4) defeated Straughn 69-41 Saturday to advance to the championship.

“It’s been a great tournament for everybody so far,” Red Level coach Fred Kelley said. “We’ve had great crowds, and my team has been fortunate to make it into the finals. We probably shot the best we have all year, in the game against McKenzie.

“LAMP has a good basketball team; they’re very sound and have great fundamentals. Hopefully we can find a way to pull it out.”

Against Florala, Cale Nolen led the Tigers in scoring with 32 points and D.J. Sankey added 14. Eric Bess scored 16 points to lead Florala; Lavoris Ball added 12 points and Dustin Hinson chipped in 10.

Against McKenzie, Sankey led the Tigers with 26 points and added nine rebounds. Luke Sharp added 16 points, Nolen scored 15 and Jon Jon Neal added 10.

Other first round scores from Friday night were: LAMP 77, Brantley 76; Straughn 59, Flomaton 46; McKenzie 48, Highland Home 47.

Andalusia faces Red Level in girls final

Red Level’s girls advanced to Monday’s championship game against Andalusia. Red Level defeated Laurel Hill (Fla.) 47-31 in the semifinals Saturday night, and Andalusia knocked off Straughn 50-21 in the other semifinal.

Red Level defeated McKenzie 49-15 in the first round Friday. Koneshia Calloway led the Lady Tigers (6-7) with 19 points and nine rebounds. Against Laurel Hill, Calloway led the team with 18 points and Starla Jones added 10.

Other first round scores from Friday night were: Andalusia 82, Luverne 17; Straughn 48, Brantley 29; Laurel Hill (Fla.) 32, Highland Home 30.

Monday night’s championship games were not completed at press time. Read full coverage of the games in the Wednesday edition of the Andalusia Star-News.