As Alabama Christian hosted a Sub-regional game for the first time since 2010, the Lady Eagles were led to victory by their three seniors, Heather Ford, Sarah Johnson and Michaelyn Manning, in the most complete game of the season. Montevallo never got a handle on the pressure defense put on by ACA and were harassed all afternoon by the Eagles. Ford was a presence in the post, on offense and defense, and did a great job finding open shooters for several easy baskets. Johnson drew the toughest defensive assignment of the night and bothered the Bulldog’s best player for the entire contest. Manning was the offensive spark and applied plenty of pressure on the Montevallo ball handlers. The trio combined for ten assists and helped the offense by keeping the ball moving as they found open teammates.
Sarah Johnson shoots a baseline jumper against Montevallo.
ACA set the tone on the very first possession as Izzy Warrick had the first of twenty Eagle steals in the contest. The Lady Eagles scored the first seven points of the game and led 17-8 at the end of one. Alabama Christian only managed seven points in the second period, but still led Montevallo 24-17 at the break. In the third quarter, ACA broke the game open as Warrick scored eight points during a 12-0 run to start the half. Late in the period, Alabama Christian built its biggest lead of the night after a Manning basket that made the score 42-21. The Lady Eagles maintained a healthy cushion through the final quarter for the 50-31 win.
Michaelyn Manning drives through the Bulldog defense.
Michaelyn Manning was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points along with eight steals and four rebounds. Manning passed Shannon Sims to move into sixth place on the Lady Eagle career scoring list. Izzy Warrick scored a season high 14 points with six rebounds and four steals. Sarah Johnson finished with six points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds.
Alabama Christian advances to the Regional round for the first time since 2007 as they visit St James on Thursday night, February 18th.