Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Marbury boys’ basketball team used a dominant 1st quarter against Central of Clay in the Class 5A Sweet 16 to cruise to a 66-53 win. Marbury led 21-10 after the 1st quarter and extended the lead in the 2nd quarter by six points to go into halftime leading 36-19.
“Our play in the 1st quarter and 1st half in general was dominant on both sides of the ball,” said Marbury Head Coach William Turner. “We shot over 50% from the field in the 1st half, denied most second chance opportunities and caused them to operate at a pace they were not comfortable operating. Jalen Hall absolutely dominated the paint today and that was a key factor. Noah Trotter shooting 66% from 3 was big for us as well. The leadership from our Captain, Jamar Brown, was as big an influence on the game as any stat line. The whole team came in really focused on our goal of advancing to the Elite 8 for the first time in school history.”
The win over Central of Clay was the first ever in the Sweet 16 for the Bulldogs.
“It’s hard to put into words (how it feels to lead Marbury to the Elite Eight). Proud doesn’t begin to describe it. Just humbled by all the blessings God has bestowed upon me and this great group of young men. We love this community and want to make them proud of the product that we put out on the floor. We realize no one expected us to be in this position and that’s what makes it fun. Always better to play with house money than your own, and we are playing with ALL house money right now,” said Coach Turner.
For the game, Hall had 26 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks. Trotter was also in double digits with 19 points. Aden Burdette had 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.
To continue the run to the Final 4 in Birmingham, Marbury will have a tough task in Sylacauga. The Aggies were the Class 5A runner-up in 2025 and are 28-2 on the season.
“We know each step will get significantly more challenging. Each time we are fortunate enough to take the next step we will handle the opponent with the respect and seriousness that we should for a game of this magnitude,” said Coach Turner.
Marbury will face Sylacauga on Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. at Alabama State University with a shot on the line to advance to the Class 5A Final 4.
