By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Wetumpka led by double digits in the 3rd quarter of their home area game against Stanhope Elmore when the Mustangs went on a huge run to set up a dramatic and intense final quarter of basketball.
Mustang freshman sensation Terrance Collins drained a 3-point shot with six minutes left in the game to give the Mustangs a 1-point lead. Stanhope Elmore’s Judah Gilbert then knocked down two consecutive shots to push the Mustangs’ lead to 5 points.
SEHS led by three points with less than four minutes remaining in the game when Wetumpka’s Andrew Voyles knocked down a huge three point shot to tie the game. After a defensive stop, Voyles knocked down another huge three point shot just in front of the raucous student section to put the Indians back ahead.
“Those baskets were huge for us down the stretch,” said Wetumpka Head Coach Steven Thomas. “Andrew is one of the best shooters in the state. Him knocking down those shots when we needed them the most is a testament to the work he puts in as a shooter. Our guys fed off that.”
Despite huge momentum swings, and in front of a great crowd, the Mustangs maintained their composure and continued battling. With Wetumpka up by 5 points, Collins hit another 3-point shot to cut the lead to two points.
With under a minute to go, the Indians led 57-54 and the Mustangs had the ball. A contested shot in the lane was missed. The Indians got the rebound, and Nolan Fitch hit a jump shot to put the Indians ahead by 5 points with just 46 seconds to go.
The Indians went on to win 62-54.
“I was really proud of how our guys responded in the 2nd half when all the momentum was on Stanhope’s side. Stanhope came out after the break and outplayed us. Our guys stepped up in big moments in the 4th quarter when we needed it most,” said Coach Thomas.
Coach Thomas also praised the home crowd, which was engaged and loud throughout the night. “The crowd was amazing last night. Our AD, Bear Woods, and admin did a great job of getting Tribe Night together. Our students, faculty, and staff really showed out last night and brought the energy. It was great to see the Wetumpka community come out to support our program!”
For the Mustangs, Terrance Collins had 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kaleb Sanders had 14 points and 7 assists.
For the Indians, Andrew Voyles had 20 points and 6 rebounds. Nolan Fitch had 18 points and 5 rebounds. Tom Suddith had 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
With the win, the Indians record improves to 15-3 overall, and 1-1 in area play. Wetumpka will travel to Percy Julian on Thursday for the first of two area contests that could determine the area champion.
“We have to put 4 quarters together against Percy,” said Coach Thomas. “They’re a team that plays really well together and will get after you for 32 minutes. We have to be able to control the pace and not let their speed dictate the flow for the majority of the game.”
