ORRVILLE — Keith locked Montgomery Academy down on defense and pulled away Thursday for a 38-27 victory.

The Bears (2-4) held Montgomery scoreless in the second quarter and went on a 19-0 run to regain control. The Eagles closed within eight, but the game never felt in jeopardy for Keith in the second half.

The victory was Keith’s first in four home games this season.

“We had to get back to playing basketball. We had no intensity some games, we played to the hype some games. I challenged the guys and said we are going to play defense,” said Keith coach Tommy Tisdale. “If you can play defense and you play hard, you are going to play.”

Montgomery Academy started the game on a methodical 6-0 run, led by Garrett Sanderson, who knocked down two jump shots early. Keith’s entire defensive game plan was centered around slowing Sanderson, an honorable mention for the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s all-state team last season. He finished the game with 14 points.

“He may have scored 25 or 26 in here last year with the team we had last year, so we knew what he was bringing to the table,” Tisdale said.

The Bears didn’t score their first points until only 27 seconds remained in the first quarter and trailed 6-2 after the opening period. Keith controlled the second quarter to regain control. Tyre Webster knocked down a 3-pointer and hit a jumper to give Keith a quick 7-6 lead.

Jimmie Powell scored six of his 12 points in the second quarter as Keith took a 19-6 lead into halftime.

Montgomery Academy didn’t make a shot in the quarter and ended up going about 12 minutes without scoring a point.

“It’s not about who scores what. I think we scored two points in the first quarter,” Tisdale said. “It’s not about who scores, it’s if you can stop them from scoring everybody can make a layup, anybody can make one or two free throws.”

One of the biggest standouts Thursday was Ty’Quarius Murray, who came off the bench to give Keith a spark. He dove on the floor for loose balls and seemed to always be near the ball when he was on the floor.

“He got that extra rebound, he got that extra put back or extra tip. He got that assist that we didn’t have showing up,” Tisdale said. “Now, if I can get him to channel that, that’s the spark I need from him moving forward.”

Webster and Jimmie Powell led Keith with 12 points apiece. The Bears play at Selma Friday night.
Montgomery Academy 43, Keith 28 (Girls)

ORRVILLE — Keith (2-3) is still looking for an offensive rhythm and it showed Thursday night against Montgomery Academy. The Bears struggled to get much going and lost 43-28.

“Until we grow up and learn to play the game harder, we are going to continue to lose,” said Keith coach Cecil Williams. “It’s a rebuilding year, but we’ve got to put more effort into what we are doing.”

Shatavia Moore led the Bears in scoring with 11 points and Jakyra Simmons had 10.

Keith trailed 21-15 at the half and 29-23 after the third quarter. Simmons’ 3-pointer was the only made field goal of the fourth quarter for Keith.