Andalusia basketball teams battle Geneva for area advantage

Published 3:40 pm Friday, January 19, 2024

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Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for Andalusia battled hard against Geneva for the top spot in the 4A’s Area 3. While the Lady Bulldogs came up short in a close matchup, the boys’ team earned the victory.

Bulldogs 64
Panthers 52

In a game where each team held the lead at different times, it was the Bulldogs who pulled away down the stretch to claim a 64-52 victory over area opponent Geneva.

It was Geneva who jumped out to the early lead as Evan Griffin notched five points, including a three-pointer, leading to an 11-9 edge for the Panthers after one period. Andalusia’s Tevin Sigers had a three-pointer in the first and also ended the period with five points to help the Bulldogs stay close.

The Panthers remained in the lead at the half, outscoring Andalusia 20-18 in the second period. Jordan Stallworth kept Andalusia within striking distance, hitting three three-pointers in the period and Tyler Sigers also nailed one from outside the arc, leading to seven points for him in the half. Heading into halftime, Geneva led the Bulldogs 31-26.

The Bulldog defense stepped things up a notch in the third period, holding the Panthers to 15 points. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs earned 21 points to take a one-point lead, 47-46 by the end of the period. Stallworth hit his third three-pointer of the game and Noah Curry added another. Cadariyus Love added four points in the period.

Andalusia continued its strong defensive play down the stretch as well as coming away with rebounds as they outscored the Panthers 17-6 to close out the victory. Hudson Kelley and Tyler Sigers each scored four points in the fourth while Tevin Sigers hit his second three-pointer. Love, Stallworth, and Nashaun Wilson each added points in the final period.

Leading the Bulldogs on offense was Stallworth with 18 points. Tyler Sigers was good for 13, Love added 10, and Tevin Sigers had eight.

With the win, Andalusia claimed the top spot in Area 3 with a record of 3-0 and improved to 12-7 overall.

The Bulldogs will travel to Greenville on Jan. 20 with tipoff at 4 p.m. They will travel to face Geneva again on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Lady Bulldogs 40
Lady Panthers 44

The Lady Bulldogs fell behind early but came back strong to take a halftime lead. Ultimately, the Lady Panthers battled back to claim a 44-40 win.

The first period stayed close throughout. Geneva’s Kaden Ward and Simone Minnifield each set the pace with five points. Kamari Gay helped keep Andalusia on pace with four points in the period, but the first ended with Geneva on top 12-10.

The Lady Bulldogs came out strong in the second, holding Geneva to only five points in the period while Andalusia put up 15 to take a 25-17 lead at the half. Once again, Gay led the Lady Bulldogs, hitting two baskets and three free throws. Jaidyn Berry added six points.

Andalusia maintained its lead through the third as both teams scored eight points in the period, and the Lady Bulldogs took a 33-25 edge into the final period. Cape Merrell had three points in the period while Kelsie Horwath and Berry also scored buckets.

Merrell hit four points in the final period, but the Lady Bulldogs only scored seven points down the stretch. Meanwhile, Geneva hit two three-pointers and added another 13 to claim the come-from-behind victory, 44-40.

Leading scorer for the Lady Bulldogs was Gay with 13. Berry finished with 10 and Merrell added nine points.

With the loss, the Lady Bulldogs are 2-1 in area play and 7-6 overall. The Lady Bulldogs will get another chance against Geneva as they travel there on Tuesday, Jan. 23.