Mustangs win 3A crown

Madison Academy defeated Midfield 77-59 to win the Class 3A boys state basketball championship at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena last weekend. CONTRIBUTED

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

BIRMINGHAM – A season full of trials ended with the verdict Madison Academy was hoping for — a state championship.

The Mustangs, who fought through the loss of star senior Josh Langford for the month of January and beyond and also a schedule that would challenge the best of teams, Friday defeated Midfield 77-59 to win the Class 3A high school title at Birmingham’s Convention Center.

Madison Academy, which during one stretch in January was blown out 70-28 by 5A state champion Johnson, has won six state championships in the last decade under coach Andy Blackston.

“We’ve kind of done it the last 10 years, trying to play the best we could play,’’ Blackston said. “The guys never panicked. Even when Josh got hurt they stayed the course.’’

Langford, rated a five-star prospect who signed with Michigan State, scored 25 points on his way to earning Most Valuable Player honors for the tournament. He also had nine rebounds and four steals. Myles Parker added 23 points and Wil Acuff 17 for the Mustangs.

Acuff made four 3-pointers and also had five assists. Midfield finished the season 21-12 while also playing a challenging schedule.

Madison Academy, which finished the season at 22-12, defeated Pike County 61-38 in the semifinals.

In that game, Langford had 14 points and seven rebounds. Myles Parker added 12 points and seven rebounds and Collin Blanchard had 11 points. Cole Tomlison had nine rebounds.