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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) attempts a 3-pointer in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) shoots a free throw in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Kevin Conner talks with the Lady Cougars during an injury timeout in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal against Hazel Green at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) dribbles the ball toward the basket in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Brooklyn Phillips (22) shoots a layup in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal against Hazel Green at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Mackenzie Hale (13) shoots a layup guarded by Hazel Green’s Sydney Steward (3) in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) shoots a layup guarded by Hazel Green’s Brett Douglas (33) in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) dribbles the ball downcourt in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal against Hazel Green at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) attempts a 3-pointer in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) attempts a 3-pointer in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) dribbles the ball guarded by Hazel Green’s Sydney Steward (3) in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kamoriah Gaines (4) dribbles the ball guarded by Hazel Green’s Amiya Redus (12) in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kameron Sanders (1) drives the ball toward the goal guarded by Hazel Green’s Amiya Redus (12) in the first half of the girls Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Devon McKinnon (5) dribbles the ball guarded by Buckhorn’s Jeremiah Wilson (1) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Colin Owens (4) dribbles the ball guarded by Buckhorn’s Jordan Lindsey (11) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Victor Odiari (11) shoots a jumper guarded by Buckhorn’s Joshua Wilkerson (4) in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) shoots a free throw in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Chris Richardson talks to the Cougars during a timeout in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) jumps as he guards Buckhorn’s Caleb Holt (3) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) moves towardd the goal guarded by Buckhorn’s Joshua Wilkerson (4) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) shoots a jumper guarded by Buckhorn’s Jackson Ramsey (30) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) moves toward the basket as he’s fouled by Buckhorn’s Deven Chapman (5) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Colin Owens (4) dribbles the ball guarded by Buckhorn’s Jeremiah Wilson (1) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Colin Owens (4) shoots a jumper guarded by Buckhorn’s Austen Childress (10) in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars watch from the bench as Buckhorn takes the lead late in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) moves toward the goal guarded by Buckhorn’s Joshua Wilkerson (4) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Austin Ray (22) looks to pass the ball guarded by Buckhorn’s Deven Chapman (5) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Devon McKinnon (5) shoots a 3-pointer guarded by Buckhorn’s Caleb Holt (3) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Victor Odiari (11) shoots a jumper in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) shoots a layup guarded by Buckhorn’s Frederick Derrick (2) and Buckhorn’s Jeremiah Wilson (1) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Devon McKinnon (5) shoots a 3-pointer guarded by Buckhorn’s Caleb Holt (3) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Austin Ray (22) and Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) guard Buckhorn’s Caleb Holt (3) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) shoots a layup guarded by Buckhorn’s Joshua Wilkerson (4) in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Chris Richardson calls the play from the sideline in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Austin Ray (22) guards Buckhorn’s Frederick Derrick (2) in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Colin Owens (4) dribbles the ball toward the goal in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) passes the ball downcourt in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Colin Owens (4) dribbles the ball as he moves toward the goal in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Kevin Kirk Jr. (2) dribbles the ball downcourt in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Chris Richardson calls the play in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Victor Odiari (11) and the Buckhorn defense battle for possession of the rebound in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) rebounds the ball in the second half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The Cougars fell to the defending state champions 61-51. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville’s Aces Kennedy (23) shoots a layup guarded by Buckhorn’s Frederick Derrick (2) in the first half of the boys Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State Community College’s Tom Drake Coliseum in Hanceville on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
HANCEVILLE – The Clay-Chalkville High School boys and girls basketball teams played in the Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinals at Wallace State Community College on Thursday.
Lady Cougars unable to get going in loss
The Clay-Chalkville girls were ranked as the No. 2 team in Class 6A at the conclusion of the regular season, but unfortunately ran into the No. 1 team in the regional semifinals.
Hazel Green dispatched the Lady Cougars at regionals for the second straight season, beating Clay 57-29 on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Trojans played much like a team that has won six straight state championships, playing smothering defense and sound offense.
Hazel Green scored 38 points in the paint, as University of Alabama commit Leah Brooks led the way with 19 points and six rebounds.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Kevin Conner said he knew the Lady Cougars would struggle in that area, but believes the game could have unfolded differently had they played better on the offensive end.
“Offensively, we didn’t make some shots that we normally make,” he said. “I told them at halftime to keep shooting.”
The loss ends a spectacular season for Clay-Chalkville, which posted a 26-3 overall record, swept through Area 12 regular season and tournament play.
The Lady Cougars knew they were set for a strong 2023-24 campaign, returning much of the same team from last year and putting forth a strong effort against Hazel Green at regionals last season. On Thursday, the game simply got away from them.
“We didn’t play well, but I couldn’t be more proud of the last two years,” Conner said. “I’ve coached a lot of groups, but that senior class is special. What they’ve taught these young girls [is special]. I’m not going to remember today, I’m going to look back on the last 3 years.
Kameron Sanders, Tyra Bynum, Kamoriah Gaines, Taelor Rudolph, Tristian Willoughby Levert, Brooklyn Phillips and India Bayles made up a senior class that went a combined 49-11 over the last two years.
Kimora Brewster led Clay with 12 points, while Mackenzie Hale added seven points. Conner said they will be the next players to take the baton and continue the success of the program.
“They were great teammates and we all played good as a team,” Brewster said. “Our whole season, our chemistry is good so we play good as a team.”
Hazel Green will advance to the regional final next Tuesday to take on Hartselle.
Cougars upset bid denied
The Clay-Chalkville boys had the defending state champions on the ropes much of the game, but Buckhorn rallied and stole a 61-51 win from the Cougars in the Class 6A Northwest Regional semifinals Thursday afternoon.
Devon McKinnon gave the Cougars a 51-50 lead with just under four minutes to play in the game, but the Bucks took control from there. Buckhorn went on a 11-0 run to finish the game emphatically.
Clay-Chalkville started hot, opening up a 16-7 lead after a quarter of play. The Cougars put together a flurry late in the second quarter to open up an 18-point lead, before Buckhorn finished the first half with a pair of 3-pointers to cut the deficit to 32-20 at the break.
“We really felt like we had a good game plan, the guys felt confident,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Chris Richardson said. “Started out really good, the first half went really good.”
Richardson and his players agreed that Buckhorn’s postseason experience became evident in the second half.
Buckhorn turned up the heat in the third quarter and completely eliminated the Cougars advantage. The Bucks even took a five-point lead before KJ Kirk drilled a 3-pointer midway through the final quarter to tie things up again.
Sophomore sensation Caleb Holt posted a double-double for Buckhorn, going for 21 points and 11 rebounds. Fred Derrick had 17 points and Jeremiah Wilson finished with 12 points.
McKinnon matched Holt much of the contest, as he notched 20 points of his own. Victor Odiari added 13 points and KJ Kirk scored 10 points.
This season meant a lot to me because of these seniors and I wanted to get it for them,” McKinnon said. “Got to learn from this experience.”
Buckhorn moves on to face Cullman, who beat Muscle Shoals in overtime, in the regional final next Tuesday.
Clay-Chalkville finishes the season with a 23-9 record, rising as high as No. 5 in the Class 6A rankings during the season. Richardson credited the four seniors, Kirk, Colin Owens, Austin Ray and Erin Callens for their contributions to the program.
“What these guys have done for Clay-Chalkville basketball is amazing,” Richardson said.
