By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Prattville is headed back to the Class 7A Final Four again after defeating Enterprise in the Class 7A South Region Final. It was the fourth time the Lady Lions beat Enterprise this season.
The Lady Lions started the game with a 10-0 run, and never trailed. Prattville turned several defensive rebounds into fast break points.
Prattville Head Coach Erica DuBois knew her team was going to start fast. “That was the game plan but it is how we like to play. My girls know they have worked hard to be in the shape they are in, so it was time to really show it.”
Later in the 1st half, the Lions trapped the ball handler on the sideline just after half court, forcing turnovers and more fast break chances.
“Trapping was an option I told my girls would present itself,” said Coach DuBois. “I trusted them as athletes to know when the right time was. They have grown so much as ball players, that I knew I could trust them to make the right decisions.”
Jayla West Young had another big game, leading the Lady Lions in the 1st half with 11 points and 5 rebounds. KeLeigh Mullins had a steal and a layup at the buzzer to push the lead to double digits at halftime.
Enterprise managed to slightly cut into the lead in the 3rd quarter and trailed by six points when a 3-point shot rimmed out at the buzzer that would have made it a one possession game.
The Wildcats pulled within four points at 39-35 after the first possession of the 4th quarter. With the momentum on Enterprise’s side, the Lady Lions took back control of the game, completely dominating the last seven minutes of the game, and winning comfortably 65-40.
Coming into the game, Prattville knew the key to winning was containing Enterprise’s 6’3-inch center Sarah Amos. The Lady Lions held her to just 12 points behind a strong defensive effort from Eliza Downey, and most of Amos’ points came when Downey was on the bench with three fouls.
Coach DuBois was pleased with Downey’s effort. “Eliza is special down low. She is smart and extremely strong. She did a great job on Amos and played her exactly like I asked her to do. Our guards did a great job down low and boxing out. My 5’5 guard KeLeigh Mullins out rebounded 6’3 Amos this game.”
For the game, West-Young had 24 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Ullyriah Lewis had 13 points and Jaina Misigah had 12 points. Mullens had an all-around great game, stuffing the stat sheets with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals.
Even though the Lady Lions are returning to the Class 7A Final Four for the second consecutive year, Coach DuBois doesn’t think that gives her team an advantage. “I look at it like, whatever stage you are playing on, it’s still basketball. Whoever comes to play normally prevails…and all these girls seem like they are ready to play.”
As winners of the Class 7A South Regional, the Lady Lions will advance to the Class 7A Final Four in Birmingham, where they will take on Hewitt-Trussville, which is led by Auburn University commit Jordan Hunter. The senior is ranked as the #1 overall player in the state by several different sports outlets. She has been selected Class 7A All-State three times and led the Huskies to the Class 7A state finals as a freshman in 2021. She also became the first ever 7th grader to play in the Class 7A state championship game in 2019. Hunter had more than 1400 points heading into her senior season.
If Prattville defeats Hewitt-Trussville, then they will play in the state championship game for the first time in basketball in the school’s history.
Good luck Lady Lions!
