FROM STAFF REPORTS

After the first quarter of play, the semifinal contest between the Montevallo High School girls’ basketball team and Hale County in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 3A, Area 7 tournament at Greensboro High School looked like a baseball score.

Midway through the opening period, Hale County took a 3-2 lead and decided to spread the floor and hold the ball to force the Bulldogs out of their zone defense. The plan didn’t work, however, as the Bulldogs defeated Hale County 46-29 to advance to the Class 3A, Area 7 tournament championship game Feb. 12.

Montevallo will face host Greensboro in the Class 4A, Area 7 tournament championship game Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.

Amber Cardwell led Montevallo (15-9) with 24 points. Cardwell also grabbed a team-high 15 rebounds to finish with a double-double.

Savannah Upton added seven points and 12 rebounds. Savannah Smith chipped in five points and four assists for the Bulldogs.

After the quarter ended at 3-2, Montevallo obliged the Wildcats by going into a man defense, which forced 12 first-half turnovers and led to the Bulldogs’ 19-12 halftime lead.

Things didn’t get much better for Hale County in the third quarter, as Montevallo held Hale County to just three points in the period to cruise to a 17-point victory.