By Scott Nickerson

EAN Sports Writer

The Stanhope Elmore Lady Mustangs led by 15 points mid-way through the 3rd quarter of their Area matchup against the Wetumpka Lady Indians. They were on the road playing in their rival’s gymnasium, and Center Jacey Haynes was dominating the paint on defense. In the first half alone, Haynes had 8 rebounds and 7 blocks on defense. She also had 10 points on offense.

Guard Kelby Johnson added 10 points in the first half as the Mustangs appeared to be cruising to their second area win of the year after topping Benjamin Russell earlier last week.

The momentum of the game obviously shifted late in the 3rd quarter, as Wetumpka shots started falling and the Indians fans started making a lot of noise. Leading 32-17 with three minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Wetumpka went on a 14-5 run to cut the Lady Mustangs’ lead to just six points heading into the final quarter.

With the game in the balance, Stanhope Elmore went cold at the worst time in the 4th quarter, only making one field goal. Haynes made two free throws, but her offensive production slowed considerably late after playing almost the entire game, combined with facing a triple team every time she received the ball in the low post.

Wetumpka pushed ahead late and won by a final score of 48-43. For the game, Haynes finished with a triple double, with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 blocks. Johnson scored 16 points and had 3 rebounds for Stanhope Elmore.

The Lady Mustangs area record falls to 1-1. The two teams will face each other again next Saturday night at Stanhope Elmore. If both teams are able to defea

t Benjamin Russell again, then the matchup could decide the winner of the area championship.