ELKMONT WINS AT NORTHWEST REGIONAL - DUST DEVIL IN THE GYM

On Thursday afternoon at Wallace State, the Red Devils advanced to the Elite Eight by beating the Holly Pond Broncos, 72-62 in overtime.  Elkmont came out in a tight zone to try to contain Holly Pond's big center, Thomas Hays.  The Broncos took advantage of this by making shot after shot from outside to take a commanding 31-15 lead in the second quarter.  At this point, it looked like the end of the season for the Red Devils, but as they have shown throughout the season, they continued to fight and never give up.  The most important part of their comeback win was the last few minutes of the second quarter where they cut the lead to nine at halftime.

In the second half, Elkmont turned up the defensive pressure with a mixture of man and zone trap defensives.  The Red Devils forced several turnovers and pulled ahead by four early in the fourth quarter.  Holly Pond was not finished and surged back ahead by six with only two minutes left in the game.  Once again, it looked as if it might be the end of the line for the Devils, but a clutch three pointer by Hayden Huseth and a put back by Cole Glass tied the game, 62-62 with eight seconds left.  The Broncos missed a contested shot at the buzzer and the game moved into overtime.


In overtime, Elkmont took control early with a basket by Matthew Barnes and a three pointer by Daniel Logan.   The Red Devils outscored Holly Pond, 10 - 0.  The Broncos tried to get back into the game by fouling.  Elkmont made their free throws to finish off the 72 - 62 win.


OBSERVATIONS:

Great comeback win for Elkmont; very entertaining game to watch.  Good officiating, but definitely "no blood, no foul" under the basket for both teams.  Clutch plays were made by all four senior starters.  

Skyler Gant had a great game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.  

Daniel Logan also had a big game with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.  

Cole Glass had 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

Hayden Huseth had 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.

Matthew Barnes added 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

Bryant Wales chipped in with 4 points and 2 rebounds.

This was one of the best wins in Elkmont history.

PREDICTION:

Next is Carbon Hill on Saturday.  The Dust Devil watched them beat Sheffield in overtime in another great game.  They are an excellent team; play great defense; and are long and tall.  However, if Elkmont plays well and make a good percentage of 3 point shots, they can win.  The Dust Devil predicts a one point victory by Elkmont and a trip to Birmingham.