Vigor Dominates Guntersville to Advance to Class 5A Boys Title Game

February 26, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Vigor Wolves showcased an impressive shooting performance and relentless defense to secure a commanding 71-53 victory over the Guntersville Wildcats in the Class 5A state semifinals at Legacy Arena on Wednesday.

The Wolves (19-9) will make their second consecutive trip to the state championship game, set for Saturday at 10:45 a.m. This marks an opportunity for redemption after falling in last year’s finals to Fairfield.

Vigor’s 3-Point Barrage Builds Early Lead

Conventional wisdom often advises against relying on three-point shots when playing in unfamiliar, cavernous arenas. However, Vigor defied expectations, nailing eight three-pointers in the first half alone. This early onslaught helped the Wolves establish a 34-12 lead at the break.

Jermaine Tate led the charge with four made threes, scoring 14 of his game-high 21 points in the first half. “We want to redeem ourselves from last year, so I came out with fire,” said Tate, who also contributed on the defensive end.

Standout Performances Propel Wolves To Title Game

Vigor’s balanced attack was on full display as several players stepped up.

Aslan Jones finished with 19 points, including three made three-pointers, two dunks, and seven steals.
Ke’Viasz Malone added 13 points and five steals, causing havoc for Guntersville’s offense.
Parker Holley Jr. chipped in 10 points, including a crucial three-pointer that set the tone early in the game.

Guntersville (23-10) struggled to match Vigor’s hot shooting. They went 0-for-7 from three-point range in the first half and finished just 1-of-15 from beyond the arc. The Wildcats also turned the ball over 25 times under heavy defensive pressure from the Wolves.

“They hit shots consistently that we had not seen them do up to this point,” Guntersville coach Brett Self said. “We just never got into a rhythm, and a lot of that has to do with their defensive pressure and intensity.”

Wildcats Second-Half Push Falls Short

The Wolves extended their lead to as much as 44-16 late in the third quarter as Jones sparked a 10-0 run with a three-point play, a steal-and-dunk combination, and a long-distance dagger. While Guntersville managed to score 33 points in the fourth quarter, the early deficit was insurmountable.

CJ Scott led the Wildcats with 16 points, while Dadrien Waller added 10 points and three steals.

Vigor’s Momentum Heading Into Championship Game

With 11 seniors on their roster, Vigor’s experience and determination have been driving forces throughout the season. “They stepped up and made plays,” Self said of the Wolves’ veteran leadership.

Saturday’s matchup will provide the Wolves a chance to claim their first boys’ basketball state championship in school history.

Fast Facts

Vigor made 10 three-pointers, while Guntersville made just one.
Guntersville committed 25 turnovers under Vigor’s full-court defensive pressure.
Vigor is one of only six Alabama schools to send both boys’ and girls’ teams to the Final Four this year.

Tip-off for the Class 5A state title game is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at Legacy Arena.