Red Level smacked Excel out of the Class 2A, Area 1 tournament Friday night, winning 56-29.

The Tigers didn’t give Excel a chance to lead throughout the game, putting up a dominating shooting performance.

Red Level (15-11) shot out to a 23-7 lead after the first quarter and was ahead 32-14 at the break.

The Tigers held on to their lead, ending the third with a 41-25 lead.

“I’m doing real good after getting a win (Friday night),” Red Level coach Fred Kelley said. “Our boys came out ready and they played one of the best defensive games we’ve had all year. They did everything we asked of them.”

Kelley said the amount of “intensity” throughout the game helped his team with the victory.

“It was a huge win for us and it will give us a chance to play for the area championship,” he said. “They key was for us to come out and establish the tempo and build that lead in the first quarter.”

Troy Nolen led Red Level with 14 points and Trey Salter added 10. James Feagin also had a good night for the Tigers with eight points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

In earlier action Friday night, Mobile Christian defeated Flomaton 52-51.

Red Level will face Mobile Christian Monday night in the area finals at 7.

“We’re excited to still be playing ball,” Kelley said. “Hopefully, we can maybe win the area championship. It was a good team effort and I hope our crowd will come on out and support us Monday night.”