Austin takes title in Bob Jones Ladies Classic Tournament

Bob Jones Kiara Moore (12) puts up for a shot against Austin. BJ girls team finished in second place at the 2015 AL.com Ladies Classic hosted at Bob Jones (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- After both teams had won 3 games in 2 days to reach the final, Bob Jones and Austin met in the championship game on Dec. 23 with Austin winning 46-35. Bob Jones had wins over Huntsville, Locust Fork, and Lee.

Bob Jones coach Andre Reynolds said the extra games gave the ladies confidence and momentum.

“Lot of people didn’t expect us to make the championship game but we believed in ourselves and expected to be here. Against Locust Fork and Lee we put pieces together and hit free throws down the stretch and closed out the games. The girls shot 78% and 75% from the free throw line and that is how you win games. Against Lee we did a good job handling their press.”

Bob Jones had 3 players, Tyler Fredricks, Myra Wallace, and Kiera Gurley make the All-Tournament team.

“They contribute a lot to our team and we had to lean on them. Kiera Gurley has been coming off the bench. Tyler had a very good overall tournament. Some college coaches are starting to show interest. She just needs to keep getting better,” Reynolds said.

Bob Jones record goes to 9-8 overall. In the area they are 1-2. They lost to Sparkman 48-31 on Dec. 18.

Austin’s Tyra Johnson, an Auburn signee, led the Black Bears in scoring with 20 against Bob Jones. She also made the All Tournament team as did teammates Katie Speegle, Lauren Finch, and Macary Humphrey.

“The competition was really good,” Johnson said. “Hazel Green has a good team. I just need to keep working stay focused. I want to win a championship this year.”

Austin lost to Homewood in 6A in Bimingham at the Final 48 last year in a semi-final game.

All three days games were well attended and the tournament was an overall success.