Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
On Thursday night the Stanhope Elmore girls’ basketball team traveled to Prattville for a rematch less than two weeks after the Lions won by 15 on the Mustangs’ home court. With the Mustangs leading 43-41 with 12 seconds remaining, Prattville missed two potential game tying free throws.
However, Prattville’s KeLeigh Mullens grabbed the rebound and and put up a shot to tie the game at 43. The
Mustangs inbounded the ball to junior guard Heaven Bailey who went down the right sideline.
As the clock wound down, two Prattville defenders attempted to double-team Bailey against the sideline at half-court, but she split the double team and pulled up for a jumper a step inside the 3-point line. The shot
went in with less than a second remaining in the game, setting off a huge celebration from the Mustangs’
bench and fans.
Stanhope Elmore Head Coach Kelvin Stokes explained what he thought as Bailey took the ball with the
game tied.
“I thought at first to get it to half court then immediately call timeout,” said Coach Stokes. “But I also saw
that she was in rhythm and (Prattville’s) KeLeigh Mullens had four fouls and was not pressing her hard to
not pickup her 5th foul. Therefore, when Heaven is in rhythm and she is coming with it like she was, I
knew it was going to end well. She has hit a ton of buzzer beaters in her career but I think this is her first
one to win the game.”
The rematch took place just 13 days after the rivals met for the first time, a game which the Lions won
60-45. Coach Stokes knew that there were some adjustments the Mustangs needed to make to be
successful.
“In my opinion, the key to beating Prattville is slowing down their transition offense, rebounding, and
taking away driving lanes.”
The Lady Mustangs were led in scoring by freshman Kuraji Crosby, who had a double-double with 19
points, 13 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Bailey had 18 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Teonna Davis
had 19 rebounds and 5 assists.
“This time we improved on #10 (Prattville’s Mullens) and keeping her out of the paint. We executed our
game plan better. Offensively, we made our presence known with our freshman sensation Kuraji Crosby
and senior Teonna Davis in the post. Heaven Bailey does what Heaven Bailey does and that is to be the
best point guard in the state,” said Stokes.
Earlier in the week, the Mustangs won at Chilton County 67-41. They were scheduled to play Tallassee
Friday night but the Tigers had to forfeit the game. With three wins this week, the Mustangs’ record
improves to 10-2.
The Mustangs will have three more games next week, playing at Marbury on Tuesday, at Tallassee on
Thursday, and at home Friday night against Elmore County
