Model junior Victaria Saxton records triple-double in win over Lady Indians
There is often debate about whether Model center Victaria Saxton is a better weapon on offense or on defense. Whatever the answer, she displayed plenty evidence for both sides on Jan. 27.
Saxton posted a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 blocks as the Lady Devils got a 6451 win over Armuchee in Shannon. The win kept Model undefeated in Region 7-AA play and completed a regular season sweep of the Lady Indians.
“She is probably known more for her play on the offensive end than defense, but it says something when you record double- digit blocks,” Model coach Sally Echols said of Saxton.
“Her presence on the defensive end is just as important as on the offensive end.”
Natalie Davis aided Model as well with 14 points and four 3- pointers, while Bailey Upton chipped in 12 points.
Every member of the team was part of a defense that limited a scrappy Armuchee squad to just eight fourth quarter points.
Livia Skinner was the Lady Indians’ best offensive weapon, recording 20 points and four 3s. Morgan Copeland and Bradyann Wacker each finished with 10 points, with Copeland scoring inside and Wacker attacking around the perimeter.
Model wins big over
Armuchee
It’s come to the point where Model’s boys’ basketball team doesn’t have to light up teams offensively. With the way coach Jacob Travis’ defense is playing, the Blue Dev- ils can win most games however they like.
Model allowed only 22 points through the first three quarters as it rolled to a 54- 39 win over Armuchee in Shannon.
It was the third time in four Region 7-AA games that Model has held a team under 40 points.
“We were really able to change things up and frustrate Armuchee,” Travis said. “Guys like Justin Roberts were able to force bad shots and turn around and grab rebounds, and it’s those little things that are really the difference in the ball game.
Junior forward Jackson Lively was Model’s offensive star, recording 25 points with four 3-pointers and some quick cuts to the basket. Meanwhile, forward John Weaver recorded three 3s and finished with 17 points for the Blue Devils (9-11, 6-5 7-AA).
Armuchee’s Tamalachi Lovelace led his team with 13 points, with Drew Cummings adding 12.
Darlington boys beat out
Excel Christian
A strong offensive game and a height advantage gave the Darlington Tigers the fuel to overpower Excel Christian in their final home game of the regular season on Jan. 26.
The Tigers led 39-11 at halftime and held Excel Christian to four points in the third on the way to a 65-32 win in the Region 6A-A game.
“One of the things we have been working on is pushing the offense,” Darlington coach Tim Garrett said. “It’s all about moving the ball, finding the open guy and also working on jump shots. And I thought we were really able to accomplish that.”
Tiger center J.T Mumber was the lone player with double digits, as the senior scored all of his 18 points in the first half. Darlington (15-4, 9-2 6A-A) had 11 players get in the scoring column as the Tigers increased their lead no matter who was on the floor.
Excel Christian (0-15, 0-10) didn’t have a player reach 10 points, and the team had less than 20 until the final quarter, which was shortened to six minutes due to the mercy rule.
It was a welcome outcome for Darlington, which spent the past week surviving two road games, winning both by two points.
Darlington girls win over Excel
A 24-8 first quarter was all the Darlington girls needed Thursday as they coasted to a 53-31 Region 6A- A win over Excel Christian. The home victory keeps them undefeated in subregion play.
“We haven’t felt like we came out like we wanted to start the game,” Darlington coach Tommy Atha said. “But we were able to get off to a quick start today. We just came out of the gate running, and that was your difference in the ball game.”
Lady Wolves win at Kell
A day after coming up short at Cass, the Rome girls’ basketball team traveled further down Ga. 41 on Friday and shook off the loss with a 54-39 win over Kell.
The Region 7- 5A game saw Rome’s Taya Gibson score 20 points to lead the Lady Wolves, while Re’Tavia Floyd scored eight. Yana Jackson and Tarrah Gibson each added seven.