By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – After falling by 46 and 31 last season and by 29 just one month ago to their local rivals, the Montevallo Bulldogs, the Shelby County Wildcats proved just how far they’ve come with a come-from behind win on their home floor.

Powered by an electric atmosphere, Shelby County defeated Montevallo 60-56 in a close contest on Friday, Jan. 24 for the Wildcats’ first win in the historic rivalry series since Jan. 2022.

Nate Byrne exploded for 22 points for Shelby County, propelling his team to victory behind six 3-pointers. The duo of Dee Cutts and Nahjear Russell combined for 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to deliver Montevallo a road win.

The Wildcats started the game strong, outscoring the Bulldogs 18-14 in the first quarter. Byrne hit half of his 3-pointers in the first quarter, establishing his presence from beyond the arc and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Andres McGinnis capitalized from the free throw line in the first quarter, hitting three shots from the charity stripe and adding a bucket in the paint to finish the quarter with five points.

Cutts was everywhere for Montevallo in the first quarter, scoring eight of his 18 points in the first as coach Byron Gaskin used him early and often in the offense.

Cutts continued his hot start in the second quarter as the Bulldogs outscored Shelby County 20-10 to take a 34-28 lead to halftime. Cutts finished the period with five points and received assistance from Demarious Gentry, who had two 3-pointers in the quarter.

Byrne cooled off in the second, finishing with three points. Ryan Sipes made up for Byrne by finishing with five in the period, pacing the Wildcat offense.

The third quarter saw both teams tighten up their defense as Montevallo outscored Shelby County 10-8. The Bulldogs had plenty of opportunities from the foul line in the third but shot a paltry 2-for-8.

The fourth saw the Wildcats pull away, outscoring Montevallo 24-12 behind another explosive quarter from Byrne.

Byrne scored 10 in the period, and was complemented well by Tyson Duncan, who had six points in the quarter. After a strong start, Cutts only had one 2-point basket in the fourth.

The trio of Byrne, McGinnis and Tyson all scored in double-figures for Shelby County. The Bulldog duo of Cutts and Russell were the only two players to cross the double-digit threshold.

Next up for the Wildcats is a road trip to Sylacauga on Monday, Jan. 27, where they will face the Aggies at 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Montevallo will host the Westminster School at Oak Mountain on the same day, facing the Knights at 7:30 p.m.