From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — It’s official. For the first time in school history, Pinson Valley is going to the state basketball championships. Pinson Valley is moving ahead after a 54-51 victory over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Wednesday’s 6A boy’s semifinals at the BJCC Legacy Arena in downtown Birmingham.
Trailing by nine with 4:46 remaining in the second quarter, Pinson Valley powered through the deficit to pull ahead 28-26 at halftime, with nine of those points coming from GaQuincy McKinstry.
McKinstry pulled off a second dunk in the third quarter to help solidify Pinson Valley’s lead at 37-32.
Things tightened up considerably and with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Pinson Valley held the slightest of leads with 52-51.
With 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter, McKinstry nailed two free throws. Jalon Johnson had set out to tie things up, but a missed 3-pointer sealed the victory for the Indians.
Pinson Valley’s top scorers were McKinstry with 18 points, Kam Woods with 13 points, Marques McCoico with 11 points and Geordan Pollard with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Hillcrest’s top scorer was Jalon Johnson with 27 points. Christian Jones had 13 points, four rebounds, two blocks, two steals and two assists.