By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Marbury basketball program had a big night on Tuesday, as both the boys’ team and the girls’ team won the Class 5A Area 6 championship. The win assures both teams a home playoff game in the 1st round of the Class 5A playoffs.
After splitting two regular season matchups, Holtville boys jumped out to a 12-point halftime lead in the area championship game after Marbury went just 1-16 from three-point range. But Marbury stormed back in the 3rd quarter, and Blake Peterson hit a 3-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter to cut Holtville’s lead to one point in a huge momentum swing for Marbury. Peterson then hit another 3-point shot at the beginning of the 4th quarter to give Marbury the lead that they held for the rest of the game. Marbury won 53-44.
“Winning the Autauga County championship and the area championship in the same year is phenomenal,” said Marbury Head Basketball Coach Will Turner. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team. Happy to be a Bulldog.”
Jamar Brown was named Most Valuable Player for Marbury with 15 points and 5 assists. Jacob Driver had 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Jalen Hall had 6 points and 12 rebounds. Driver and Hall were both named to the All-Tournament team.
The girl’s championship game wasn’t quite as close, with Marbury cruising to a 100-34 victory over Holtville. Area tournament Most Valuable Player Nunu Jernigan dominated with 38 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 steals. Justice Blackmon had 25 points and 5 steals, and Gabrielle Brown had a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and 5 steals. Blackmon and Brown were both named to the All-Tournament team.
“Marbury girls came out and played with intensity from the first second until the last one ran off the clock,” said Marbury Girls Head Coach Reggie Brown. “That’s what we’ve been preaching all year long. During the area championship, they exemplified that. All the girls play hard from #1 – 50. So, I’m proud of them. I believe you have to condition your team that way mentally, so that they are ready for the playoffs. That time is here, so we will give it our best shot.”
The 1st round of the Class 5A Playoffs will take place Friday and Saturday. With a win, each team would advance to the Regionals.
