Scott Nickerson

Elmore Autauga News

Stanhope Elmore senior Aubrey Newton had a career night, going 8-12 from long range and scoring a career high 24 points as the Mustangs beat Wetumpka 81-60 in a Class 6A Area 4 matchup. After hitting 2 three pointers in the 2nd quarter, Newton got hot and hit 4 three pointers in the 3rd quarter and another 2 three pointers in the final quarter.

“When the shots started falling, I just stayed calm and trusted my preparation. Being able to do that in a rivalry game is a blessing,” said Newton.

Teonna Davis had 16 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks for the Mustangs, while junior Heaven Bailey scored 23 points and had 11 assists and 3 rebounds. Bailey is currently the #1 ranked Class of 2027 girls player in the State of Alabama by Prep Girls Hoops.

“It felt great to beat Wetumpka and get our first area win,” said Bailey. “But honestly this is just who we are. We have worked for this. We just needed to execute. Of course we want to win a state championship, but we are taking this one game at a time. Right now we are focused on hosting the area tournament and winning the area.”

With the win, the Mustangs record improves to 18-3 on the season. They are currently ranked #5 in Class 6A, the highest ranking the girls have had in at least a decade.

“It is extremely important to start region play with a win,” said Stanhope Elmore Head Coach Kelvin Stokes. “Aubrey was a key factor in tonight’s win. She was in rhythm and made some clutch shots. The girls are happy about the win against a rival school like Wetumpka.”

The Lady Mustangs will have two area games next week, traveling to Percy Julian on Tuesday and a rematch against Wetumpka on Friday night.