Andalusia’s Lady Bulldogs got off to a fast start and never looked back Monday evening, defeating Red Level 52-31 in the girls championship game of the Red Level Christmas Tournament.

Andalusia held a 34-8 lead at halftime.

“I thought we played really good defense, really the whole tournament,” Andalusia coach Bennie Shellhouse said. “Every game at this tournament, we were able to get off to a fast start in the first quarter.”

Erica King and Shiamber Townsend each scored 11 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs.

Red Level coach Delores Douglas said her team learned some valuable lessons taking on an opponent of Andalusia’s caliber.

“I saw a lot of good things out there from my girls,” she said. “Andalusia is a big and physical team and playing someone like them will only make us stronger. I don’t think we’ll face anyone as physical as Andalusia in our area play, but there will be times in those area games when we’ll have to play against physical opponents and hopefully this tournament helped us prepare for that.”

Starla Jones led the Lady Tigers (6-8) with 14 points and added six rebounds. Koneshia Calloway added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Following the title game, King was named the tournament’s MVP.

“Erica was definitely our MVP,” Shellhouse said. “She led us in steals and averaged about 12 points per game. More important, she really helped to manage the game for us.”

Red Level will face Brantley on the road Friday, while Andalusia travels to face area opponent Clarke County Friday.