The Montevallo Lady Bulldogs won the Etowah Holiday of Hoops Tournament last week, and are now 13-1 for the season. This is one of the best starts a team has had in Montevallo girls’ basketball.

Montevallo won all of their games in the Etowah Holiday of Hoops Tournament last week. They defeated Tanner, Alexandria and Sumter County in the tournament. Alisha Gentry led the Lady Bulldogs with an average of 16 points through the three games.

“We played well against some quality teams,” Montevallo head coach Tena Niven said. “A lot of good teams come from the northeast, and we got a chance to play them. It was good experience.”

A key to the Montevallo’s success is its four seniors – Alisha Gentry, Rachel Willingham, Seqouia Peeples and Desiree Jones. Most of them have been starters since their sophomore year. Gentry is one of the top girls’ basketball players in the county.

“All four of them are very unselfish and want to help everyone on the team do well. Sometimes I have to get on to them to shoot the ball, but that is not a bad problem to have,” Niven said.

They have played tough teams in the start of the season, including a big win over Briarwood, who was ranked six in class 5A at the time.

Niven said a win over Montgomery Academy was also key.

“We play them one more time at their place, and then hopefully if we see them again it will be in the Area Finals of the tournament,” Niven said.

Montevallo looks to keep their streak going with their talented team, which Niven thinks may be the most talented group that she has ever had. If Montevallo has a chance to win it all, this is the year.

“We just have to continue to improve, take each game one at a time, and make sure to not take any teams for granted,” said Niven.

“We have to play everybody as if they are the best team that we are ever going to face.”