Montgomery Academy Surges Past Lauderdale County into AHSAA Class 3A Finals
Eagles’ Third-Quarter Blitz Secures 60-50 Semifinal Victory
BIRMINGHAM, AL – A dominant third-quarter performance propelled the Montgomery Academy Eagles past Lauderdale County with a 60-50 victory in the Class 3A Boys’ semifinals on Tuesday. The defending state champions overcame a tight first half to secure their spot in the AHSAA Final Four championship game at the BJCC Legacy Arena.
The Eagles, now holding a 27-7 record, are set to defend their title, a testament to the program’s resilience and focus. Despite a slim 23-22 lead at halftime, Montgomery Academy returned to the court with renewed determination, leaving no doubt about their championship aspirations.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a hard-fought battle, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. Lauderdale County, finishing their season at 25-6, matched the Eagles’ intensity, keeping the game within a single point at the break. It appeared that the semifinal clash was destined for a nail-biting finish.
However, the game’s narrative shifted dramatically after intermission. Montgomery Academy unleashed a stunning 13-0 run to start the third quarter, a pivotal surge that created a gap Lauderdale County could not close. This offensive explosion was anchored by a renewed defensive lockdown, which stifled the Tigers’ rhythm and fueled the Eagles’ transition game.
“I am proud of my guys,” said Montgomery Academy Coach Jeremy Arant. “They compete so well, and they came today to play great defense. We were really locked in on defense.” He credited the team’s ability to get out in transition as a key factor in their second-half success, noting they are “really, really hard to guard” in the open floor.
The Eagles outscored the Tigers 21-8 in the third period, turning a one-point nail-biter into a comfortable double-digit lead. Although Lauderdale County fought back, narrowing the deficit to nine points in the fourth quarter, Montgomery Academy remained composed and executed down the stretch to seal the victory.
Standout Performances on the Court
Braden Gordon led the charge for Montgomery Academy, delivering a game-high 21 points. The standout player was efficient from the field, shooting 8-for-13 and showcasing his versatility. Gordon emphasized the team’s strategic approach after the game. “It was just focusing and locking in on the defensive end,” he said. “We knew the offense was going to come, so we knew we had to focus and lock in on defense.”
The Eagles’ victory was a true team effort. Jarrett Friendly was a force in the paint, recording an impressive double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while also contributing four assists. Mason Ellis added a crucial 12 points to the scoreboard.
For Lauderdale County, Calvin Watkins was the leading scorer with 15 points, including three three-pointers, and pulled down six rebounds. Asa Butler contributed nine points, and Connor May scored eight. Despite the loss, Tigers’ coach Whitney Owens expressed pride in his team’s effort. “The third quarter kind of got us there,” Owens reflected. “They made the first run in the third quarter and that was the difference in the game.”
The Road to the Blue Map
With this significant semifinal win, Montgomery Academy keeps its hopes for a back-to-back state championship alive. The team, which replaced eight seniors from last year’s title-winning squad, has demonstrated its ability to reload and compete at the highest level.
The Eagles advance to the Class 3A boys’ championship game, scheduled for Friday at 2:15 p.m. at the Legacy Arena. They will face the winner of the Southside-Selma and Whitesburg Christian semifinal matchup. As the first defending champion to clinch a spot in this year’s finals, all eyes will be on Montgomery Academy as they aim to capture another state title.
FEATURED IMAGE: Montgomery Academy’s Will Renfroe (10) and Lauderdale County’s Calvin Watkins (5) leap high in a battle for a rebound in the 3A semifinals at Legacy Arena Tuesday. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
