Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
A week after pulling out a 7-point win on the road against Stanhope Elmore, the Wetumpka boysโ
basketball team left no doubt as to the outcome of the game shortly after the opening tip. The Indians
routed the Mustangs 66-28 to improve to 15-7 on the season and 3-0 in Class 6A Area 4.
โThe difference was our intensity on the defensive end,โ said Wetumpka Coach Steven Thomas. โWe set
the tone defensively right from the opening tip, and that carried over to our offense. When we defend the
way weโre capable of, it puts us in a good position on both ends of the floor.โ
The Indians were playing in front of a packed out, standing room only gymnasium. The Indiansโ student
section once again packed the stands, were loud, and gave the home team a decisive advantage.
โThe crowd was unbelievable. They showed up and showed out, and that energy gave us an extra boost
throughout the game. Huge credit to Principal Futral, AD Bear Woods, and our administration for putting
together our second straight Tribe Night. That environment played a big role in our success,โ said Coach
Thomas.
The Indians will conclude area play next Thursday against Percy Julian. The Indians defeated Percy
Julian on the road by five points earlier in the season. With a win next week, the Indians would clinch the
regular season area title and host the Class 6A Area 4 tournament once post-season play begins.
โWe have to bring the same defensive intensity and do a better job taking care of the basketball. In our
first matchup, we turned it over 27 times, and that canโt happen. Hosting the area tournament has been
one of our goals all season – something the hasnโt been done here in years. Playing in front of our home
crowd is a big advantage, and we want that heading into postseason play,โ said Coach Thomas.
The Indians had four players score in double figures. Tom Suddith led the way with 16 points, 11
rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Andrew Voyles had 14 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Chris Robinson
had 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Kaleb Ballard had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks
