By Erik Harris, sports editor
KIMBERLY — The Clay-Chalkville girls came up a little short on Friday night.
On the road in their Class 6A, Area 12 finale, the Cougars started slow offensively and went on to fall 49-37 to No. 8 Mortimer Jordan. The Blue Devils secure the regular season area crown with a 6-0 sweep of Clay-Chalkville, Pinson Valley and Gardendale.
The Cougars will enter the upcoming league tournament as a 2-seed behind 1-seed Mortimer Jordan. Opening round play will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
On Friday night, Clay-Chalkville got off to a sleepy start that sent them to the second quarter down 10-5. The visitors later went into the final frame down 40-21, as the Blue Devils dribbled the clock empty.
Mortimer Jordan point guard Jaylen Pleasant commanded the winning effort with a game-high 21 points. She sparked a 15-4 second-quarter run that ultimately gave her girls a cushion from that point on.
Mortimer Jordan point guard Jaylen Pleasant sets the offense during a home game on Jan. 29, 2021.
Photo by Vickie Unlap fodaction.com)
Pleasant started the surge with a steal and layup that put the Blue Devils on top 12-9 with 4:15 remaining in the second. Sarah Kanaday followed with two inside scores sandwiched between a Madeline Snow 3-pointer, and Pleasant capped off the half with a crossover, drive and kiss off the window.
Mortimer Jordan went to the locker room leading 25-13.
For Clay-Chalkville, forward Cheyenne Pearson finished with a double-double that included 14 points and as many rebounds. Tamyia Muse added eight points for the Cougars.
In other local basketball action:
- The Moody boys beat Ragland 72-45 in the semifinals of the St. Clair County Tournament. The Blue Devils were led by Peyton Ingram with 14 points and Mason Trimm with 13. Moody will take on Springville on Saturday in the tournament finals
- The Hewitt-Trussville boys beat Gadsden City 62-60
- The Hewitt-Trussville girls beat Gadsden City 61-33
