Mustangs win 3A regional

Madison Academy won its 10th regional championship in 11 seasons with a 73-65 win over Sheffield at Wallace State Hanceville. CONTRIBUTED

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

HANCEVILLE – For the 10th time in 11 seasons, Madison Academy earned a spot to appear on the state’s biggest stage when it comes to high school basketball.

The Mustangs, the defending Class 3A state champions, punched a ticket to play for their second straight title and sixth overall by winning the Northwest Regional on Wednesday at Wallace State Hanceville.

Madison Academy defeated Sheffield 73-65 at Tom Drake Coliseum.

“We got off to a great start and led 22-10 at the end of the first quarter,’’ said Mustangs coach Andy Blackston, who led the team into the state semifinals Tuesday against Pike County. “It was really even after that. That good start helped us.’’

Myles Parker scored 19 points behind 7-of-9 shooting from the field in the win over Sheffield (29-3).

Standout Josh Langford, who missed over a month with an injured ankle and playing in his fourth game since returning, scored 18 and had seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Collin Blanchard added 14 points and Cole Tomlison 12 for Madison Academy (20-10).

“We had four in double figures,’’ Blackston said. “Everybody is so focused on defending Josh when others step up and make shots we’re a much better team.’’

In the regional semifinals, the Mustangs used a 27-2 run in the first half en route to a 75-45 win over Winfield. Parker had 17 points.

The Madison Academy-Pike County winner plays the New Hope-Midfield winner Friday at 2:15 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.