By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Wetumpka boys’ basketball team defeated Stanhope Elmore on Friday night by a score of 72-56 to win their 3rd consecutive Elmore County Tournament championship. The Indians used a dominant 2nd quarter to distance themselves from the Mustangs, and Wetumpka maintained a double-digit lead throughout the 2nd half en route to the county championship. With the score tied after the 1st quarter, the Indians’ defense put the clamps on Stanhope Elmore in the 2nd quarter and went into the halftime break with a comfortable 34-18 lead.
“We finally locked in that 2nd quarter and played our brand of basketball,” said Wetumpka Head Coach Steven Thomas. “You could tell our guys were amped up in the 1st quarter. Some guys were pressing and trying to do too much. Once we settled in we found our rhythm and started to make plays.”
Tom Suddith had 17 points and an amazing 29 rebounds for the Indians. Winning the rebounding battle was something Coach Thomas wanted his team to focus on against the Mustangs. “I was really proud in how our guys controlled the boards tonight. Stanhope has a couple young guys that are really dangerous, especially if they get multiple opportunities to score in one possession. We saw that the other night with them against Tallassee. Tom Suddith was a big factor in us being able to control the boards tonight and limit those second chance opportunities for Stanhope.”
The Indians’ offensive attack was also led by Andrew Voyles and Nolan Fitch, who consistently took high percentage shots and were careful with the ball, not giving up turnovers or allowing fast break points. Voyles had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Fitch had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Thomas, who is in his third year leading the program, has led the Indians to the Elmore County Tournament title each year. “One thing we strive on in this program is to show that we’re one of the best programs in the county. To be able to show that on the court the last three years is a testament to how our guys have bought in. Winning this year’s county tournament on our own court, against our cross-town rivals, that’s special.”
In the semi-finals, Stanhope Elmore defeated Tallassee 77-75, and Wetumpka defeated Elmore County High School 62-36.
According to Max Preps, the Indians record improves to 12-2 on the season. Their attention will now turn toward the second half of the season, when area play begins. The Indians will have two games against Stanhope Elmore, along with two games against Percy Julian High School. “One of our biggest goals this season is to compete and win the area regular season and area tournament,” said Coach Thomas. “Winning the Elmore County Tournament is a great step to building that confidence for the second half of the season.”
