AREA TOURNAMENT: Mountain Brook Dominates Spain Park

In Saturday's Area Championship, Mountain Brook dominates Spain Park. Both teams advance to the sub-regional starting this week. Spain Park will play Austin at Austin on Thursday at 10:30 am CST. Mountain Brook will face Florence at Florence on Friday at 1:30 pm CST.  Mountain Brook has now won 43 straight home games. Below is a look at the top 3 players from each team. <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 54px;"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px;"></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>Spain Park Jaguars</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>7</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>13</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>20</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>36</strong></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>Mountain Brook Spartans</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>21</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>48</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%; height: 18px; text-align: center;"><strong>62</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <strong>Spain Park's Top Players: </strong> <strong>Josh Harrington, Spain Park:</strong> Everyone knows how well Josh can shoot the ball. It seems like he is always in range and don't you dare let him heat up. He handled the early pressure pretty well with the double teams. At times, though, he would want to force the ball and make too much happen. He is not scared of anyone and willing to attack anyone in his way. He has extremely quick hands causing deflections <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cameron-crawford/">Cameron Crawford</a>, Spain Park: </strong>Cameron started the game against Colby Jones and defended him well. His only problem was defending him only on the initial shot, but forgetting that Colby is relentless on the boards. You have to stick with the play the entire time, especially a player of his talent. He had two big blocks during the game. He needs to take over more. He's Spain Park's best player, but seemed to play timid. It's the area championship and he has to be willing to take over when his team needs him. <strong>Colin Turner, Spain Park:</strong> Colin was a quiet contributor for the Jaguars. He was sound in his post post up holding his defender on his back. He received the post entry pass and didn't go straight to his move. He acknowledged how the defense was playing him and then kicked back out to an open shooter. Most post players have tunnel vision. They have one move and they execute it regardless of the defense. Colin was smart and knew to kick back out. Sometimes you can post, then repost, until you get your spot you need. <strong>Mountain Brook's Top Players: </strong> <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colby-jones/">Colby Jones</a>, Mountain Brook:</strong> Colby led the way for the Spartans in a big win. He proved yet again how he is a top player in the state, if not the best. He scored 27 points in the most efficient way possible. He is extremely patient. Often, a player with his talent will force his shot at times. The ball moves all around the court with Mountain Brook and he is able to capitalize when the defense breaks down. He has an extremely soft touch at the rim giving the ball the chance to go in. He always sticks with the play and seems to come up with big second chance buckets. He all but sealed the deal with a huge put back slam and then the next possession hitting a top of the key three pointer. <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/holt-bashinksy/">Holt Bashinksy</a>, Mountain Brook:</strong> Holt started off the game hot for the Spartans. He had two big threes in the first quarter. He finished with 11 points total. He was able to really rotate well around the perimeter and stay ball level. He was patient, despite being hot, and continued to work the ball around the floor until he had the perfect shot. <strong>Alex Belt, Mountain Brook:</strong> Alex brought extreme hustle to the game. His activity on defense and offense came up with big crucial moments. He blocked an inbound pass to lead to a steal. He tipped a rebound out to his teammates for another possession. You can teach skill, but hustle is an intangible and it's going to be crucial in the long haul of state tournament.