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Andalusia kicked off its area basketball schedule and dispatched Brewbaker Tech for two wins in a 5A Area 3 home varsity sweep on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Lady Bulldogs 51, Lady Rams 33
Three different players scored in double digits as Andalusia (11-3, 1-0 5A Area 3) led from start to finish and earned a convincing 51-33 win over Brewbaker Tech in the varsity girls’ game.

Kelsie Horwath had the hot hand early with seven points off three baskets and a free throw. Kionni Wright also made two baskets, and Jaidyn Berry also found the hoop. The Lady Rams received four by Kennedi McGhee and two from Tariya Respicio. The strong offense coupled with the stingy defense gave the Lady Bulldogs a 13-6 lead at the end of the opening period.

Wright added to her scoring with five more points in the second including a big three-pointer. Ahlydiah Kelly and Berry also scored buckets. Heleyna Pennic delivered a three-pointer as McGhee posted three more for Brewbaker Tech. Andalusia continued its offensive surge and carried a 24-13 lead at halftime.

Five different home players came out with points in the third period. Horwath was three-for-three at the foul line and also made a basket. Berry knocked down two baskets with four, while Destini Hourel, Wright, and Kelly each had two. McGhee continued to be the difference maker for the Lady Rams with nine points in the frame. The Lady Bulldogs padded their lead to 39-25 with eight minutes remaining.

Heaven Keeton and Respicio both converted three-pointers in the final period for Brewbaker Tech. Horwath finished with a flourish and had six points down the stretch including two more free throws. Khayria Reynolds erupted the Andalusia crowd with a deep three-pointer near the end of the game.

Horwath was the top scorer on both sides with 18 points in the area win. Wright tallied 12 and Berry was not far behind with 10 for the Lady Bulldogs. McGhee finished with a team-high 16 points for the Lady Rams.

Andalusia 68, Brewbaker Tech 49
Andalusia (8-5, 1-0 5A Area 3) rode a blitzing start and continued to stay ahead when the game got close in picking up a 68-49 win over Brewbaker Tech in the varsity boys’ game.

The home team was on fire with four three-pointers in the first period. Laeton Smith scored eight points in the frame and had two long-distance shots. Cadariyus Love also scored from beyond the arc twice as Calvin Daniel and Xavier Hourel also posted baskets. The Rams were led by Songhay Dumas with five and also received buckets from Dwellyn Jackson and Jamari Thomas. The electrifying start propelled the Bulldogs to an 18-9 at the end of one period.

Brewbaker Tech tightened the action with a 15-point effort in the second period. Thomas made three free throws and also had a three-pointer. Braylan Thompson put up three points as Thaddeus Hammond and Chase Gordon each scored two. Love buried his third three of the first half and made two more foul shots. Nashaun Wilson also went deep and posted four points. Andalusia saw its lead slip to five but maintained a 29-24 lead at the break.

Hourel began a huge second half that included four dunks and 20 points. He notched 11 points in the third period off three buckets and a five-for-six showing in free throws. Smith hit two more baskets, while Wilson also found the hoop and posted a foul shot. Hudson Kelley made his first shot of the night in the frame. Jackson had four points for the Rams who closed the gap to three but could not draw closer. The Bulldogs gained breathing room back and took a 50-36 lead at the end of the third.

Hourel was the moneymaker once again in the final period with nine points and four baskets for Andalusia. Wilson matched his third-period output with three in the fourth as Daniel, Love, and Smith all chipped in two apiece. Dumas and Gordon each had four points for Brewbaker Tech in the final eight minutes.

Hourel posted 24 points to lead all scorers in the win. Smith, Love, and Wilson added 14, 13, and 11 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs. Dumas was the only Rams players with double figures at 12 points.

Andalusia will travel to Greenville for area matchups on Friday, Jan. 10, and return home to welcome non-area foe Luverne on Saturday, Jan. 11.