Senior leads Chargers to state title

Published 9:46 pm Thursday, February 16, 2012

Demetrouse Conwell and Hagan Joiner added nine points each in the win.

Chase Payne chipped in five points. B.J. Smith contributed four points. Sterling Reither finished with two points in the win.

Smith and Joiner were each named to the AISA Class 1A all-tournament team.

Smith, who transferred to Cornerstone Christian from Montevallo, said he was proud to be part of the school’s championship team.

“It feels great,” Smith said. “I’m just glad I was able to be a part of this.”

The Chargers went on 13-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, which turned a one-point deficit into a commanding 10-point lead with 1:36 remaining. The scoring run included a 3-pointer with 2:48 remaining, which gave the Chargers an emotional advantage down the stretch.

Joiner raced back down the court with his arms open wide after knocking down the momentum-changing shot.

“I was counting in my head until we could go to the house,” Joiner said. “I knew it was game-changing shot.”