CULLMAN —
Records can sometimes be a little misleading.
After having seen the play of Athens this season, Cullman coach Jonathan Hayes knew better than to let the Golden Eagles’ 15-14 mark fool him.
It didn't.
In what turned out to be a back-and-forth battle for much of the second half during Thursday's night sub-regional at Cullman High, Athens found a way to prevail down the stretch to secure a 47-42 win over the Lady Bearcats and earn a spot in next week's Northwest Regional at Wallace State.
"They are a lot better team than their record indicates," Hayes said. "And I knew that. They fought through adversity."
Trailing 35-29 with just over three minutes remaining in the game, Athens got a key 3-pointer from Destiny Bailey, followed by a driving layup from Jasmin Lucas to pull the Golden Eagles within one. Another 3 by Bailey moments later helped them regain their second lead of the night.
"I thought when we got that six-point lead at the start of the fourth that our defense had really settled in, but I give Athens credit," Hayes said. "Bailey knocked down some huge 3's and got them back in the game. That was big."
Athens reeled off six more points, going ahead 43-35 with under a minute remaining in regulation, but the Bearcats weren't throwing in the towel just yet. A late trey by Baylee Johnson cut the lead to three with 10 seconds on the clock. However, both of Lucas' shots from the charity stripe were enough to prevent a shot at overtime and send the Athens bench into eruption.
"I don't think I've coached a team that's gone through as much adversity as this one has," Golden Eagle coach Eddie Murphree said. "But they never quit. It's been a while since I've seen as much heart in a group when you get down 10-0. I'm proud of them tonight. Hopefully we can keep on going a little bit."
Bailey led Athens with 15 points. Lucas added 14, while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out eight assists. Allyah Smith had a team-high 13 rebounds.
Morgan Smith and Blair Nall each led Cullman with 10 points apiece.
% Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
