Stanhope Elmore High Boys’ Basketball Defeats Prattville in Regular Season Finale

By Scott Nickerson

Elmore/Autauga News Sports

The Stanhope Elmore High Mustangs boys’ basketball team won what could be the team’s final game on the home court for the 2020-2021 season, defeating Prattville 67-57. With just four minutes left to play in the game, the Lions cut what had been a double-digit lead in the 3rd quarter, to just one point, at 54-53. The Mustangs would score the next eight points to win and pull away late. The Mustangs were carried in the 4th quarter by Reggie Duncan, who scored the Mustangs’ first 11 points in the final period. Four of those points came after the Lions cut the lead to just one as they made a furious comeback attempt.

The game started off with the Lions and Mustangs exchanging the lead several times. Trailing 11-6 in the final minutes of the opening quarter, the Lions scored a quick five points to tie the game. They added a tip in off an offensive rebound at the buzzer to take a two-point lead at 15-13.

The Lions started the 2nd quarter with a made 3-pointer to go up by five points, but that would be their last lead of the game, as the Mustangs reeled off 9 straight points to go up 22-18. Things got a little testy late in the 1st half when Jay Tillman was the recipient of a rough foul as he drove to the lane for a score. It was ruled as a flagrant foul. Tillman got up and after a few moments, pushed the Lions player, earning a technical foul. The remainder of the game was played cleanly by both teams, but an intensity between the players and fans alike was fully evident after that moment. The Mustangs finished the half strong, going into the break ahead 31-22, led by Dylan Williams nine 2nd quarter points and Tillman’s seven 2nd quarter points.

SEHS scored the first four points of the 3rd quarter, pushing the lead to as much as 13 points, but entered the final period up 10.

Prattville High started the 4th quarter with a full court press against the Mustangs. A frantic pace between the teams followed, and the Lions ultimately cut the lead to just one point before the Mustangs were able to pull away late.

The Mustangs were led by Reggie Duncan who scored 15 points and 5 rebounds, along with Dylan Williams, who scored 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Tillman also finished in double digits for the Mustangs, scoring 11 points. Pat Williams added 8 points and Teddy Harris had 7 points and 7 rebounds.

The Mustangs will next face Benjamin Russell High School in the Class 6A Area 5 tournament. A win will clinch a spot in the Area 5 Championship game against Wetumpka, and also assure the Mustangs of a spot in the Class 6A playoffs. A loss would end the Mustang’s season. If the Mustangs were to beat Benjamin Russel and Wetumpka, then they would clinch the Area 5 Championship, as well as the opportunity to host the sub-regional round in the Class 6A playoffs.