AREA TOURNAMENT: Lauderdale County defeats Westminster

<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 54px;"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"> </td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>1Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>2Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>3Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>4Q</strong></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>Lauderdale County</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>8</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>22</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>37</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>52</strong></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>Westminster</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>9</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>28</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>33</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>44</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lauderdale County opened up the second half on a 9-0 run and took care of business winning the area tournament. Both teams will advance to sub-regionals. Connor Smith led the way for Lauderdale County and Menterra Gurley led the way for the Westminster Wildcats with 11 points.</p> <p><strong>Westminster's Top Players:</strong></p> <p><strong>Jackson Hammond, F: </strong>Jackson was extremely fundamentally sound in the post. He worked really hard at getting position on the block. He sealed the defender on his back and when he got the ball, rarely though, he was able to make a good move. He boxed out perfectly. He located the defender and locked him on his hip and moved him instead of trying to out jump him. </p> <p><strong>Landon Taylor, G: </strong>Landon was a good point guard for the Wildcats. He was able to finish strong through contact. He was able to stop on a dime and knock in a big floater. He showed the ability to double clutch in the air against bigger defenders and make difficult shots. If he worked on that outside jumper, he'll really open up the floor to attack better. He finished with 8 points. </p> <p><strong>Menterra Gurley, F: </strong>Menterra led the way for Westminster with 9 points. He patiently carved up the interior of the defense with patient moves. He showed he was his best in isolation and taking his man off the dribble. He showed good defense in the post going straight up instead of reaching down on the offense. He has the point-forward mentality taking the rebound coast to coast. Find your point guard, run the ball, and get the ball back. He needs to work on that jump shot to open up the floor like Landon. At one point, the defense gave him 5 feet of space on the perimeter and dared him to shoot. </p> <p><strong>Lauderdale County's Top Players:</strong></p> <p><strong>Juvonne Shanes, G: </strong>Patient is the best work to describe Juvonne. Early in the game, he had a shot fake rather than forcing and was able to draw the foul. He patiently waited for the plays to develop and let everything unfold. His hopstep in the lane allowed him to gather himself and finish rather than throwing up a wild shot. He finished with 12 points.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/eric-fuqua/">Eric Fuqua</a>, G: </strong>Eric was harassing on his off ball defense, denying the ball. He often picked up his man at half court and locked him up. He patiently distributed the ball to his teammates always trying to find the best play. He wasn't afraid to step in and take a big charge. </p> <p><strong>Connor Smith, G: </strong>Splish-splash. Connor can shoot the ball and shoot it at a high level. He led the way with 17 points. He has an excellent pull-up jump shot off the dribble. He can shoot from anywhere. He showed the ability to drive both to his right and his left hand, but needs to finish with his left against better defenders. He was the emotional leader for his team, clapping on defense and celebrating with his teammates after a tough comeback victory. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>