By Ashley Hargrove
ashley@athensnews-courier.com

Madison Acad. 66, West 60

The West Limestone boys didn't care how many times the Madison Academy Mustangs had beaten them this season as they headed into Saturday afternoon's final in the Class 3A Northwest Regional basketball tournament.

They believed they had a chance to beat their area foe for a trip to the Final 48 in Birmingham next week. It was obvious by the way the Wildcats played. But in the end, West Limestone fell short, ending its season with a 66-60 loss.

"We could be a little happier right now, but there's no way I could be more proud of these guys," Coach Justin Taylor said. "The biggest thing about today is we came here believing. I truly believe that every one of our guys believed we were going to win today. And, of course, that's why it hurts so much worse when you lose. They believed this was our day and they did everything they could have done to make that happen."

Despite several lead changes throughout the first quarter, West Limestone took a 14-11 advantage into the second period. The Wildcats continued to extend their lead, leading by as many as 7 with 2:45 remaining to play in the first half. However, Madison Academy used a 9-0 run to end the quarter, regaining the lead and taking a 29-27 advantage into the half.

The second half offered much of the same, as both teams exchanged leads several times during the third and fourth quarters. In the end, a 6-0 run by Madison Academy to end the game also ensured the win.

Preston Herring score 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Justin White tossed in 19, while Brady Clay and Austin Adams added 10 points apiece.

Despite not having a senior on the team, White is optimistic about what's to come for his team.

"I think the future is bright," White said. "We could very well be back next year."