PLANTERSVILLE — More than two months into basketball season, Dallas County played its first home game of the year Tuesday against Marbury.

The Hornets (9-4) overwhelmed visiting Marbury 67-37 in a key class 5A, area 6 game. The game was played during school, so that Dallas County High School students could cheer on their classmates.

“It was refreshing to be home after traveling so much,” said Dallas County coach Willie Moore. “I was pleased with playing at home.”

The Hornets seemed to be refreshed too, especially after having Monday night’s game against Keith moved to Wednesday due to the College Football Playoff Championship. Marbury only made one serious run after making three consecutive 3-pointers, but even then the Bulldogs only got as close as 27-20.

“We responded well to that. I was pleased with what we did the second half with finishing but I know we have to do a better job tomorrow night if we want to win,” Moore said.

Moore has traditionally frontloaded his schedule with away games, so that his teams could play at home the last month of the season and build momentum. The strategy has worked in the past and helped the Hornets’ 2014 team pile up wins in January on their way to a state championship.

The current Hornets have high hopes as well, but they were just trying to keep pace in the area on Tuesday.

Marbury scored the game’s first bucket, but Dallas County went on an 11-0 run to seize control. Back to back 3-pointers by Kedrick Wilson extended the Hornets’ lead to 22-6. The Bulldogs made their own 14-5 run, only to watch Dallas County pull away again.

The Hornets closed the quarter by outscoring Marbury 13-4 over the final few minutes of the half. DeAndre Baker made a 3-pointer, Quincy Parker fought through contact for a 3-point play and Wilson closed the half with a dunk.

Marbury did not make a serious run in the second half.

Tuesday’s game was much different than this season’s first matchup between the schools, when Dallas County had to outlast Marbury in overtime.

“We found a way to get some loose balls and rebounds and get some easy baskets in transition,” Moore said.

The victory keeps Dallas County in position to win the area. Calera is currently leading the area after beating the Hornets in their first matchup of the year.

Josh Benford made two 3-pointers and led Dallas County with 15 points. Parker scored all of his 10 points between the second and third quarters. The Hornets made seven 3-pointers in the game.

The Hornets will have another big Wednedsay when they take on Keith in Planterville. The teams have split two meetings this year.
Dallas County 38, Marbury 37 (Girls)

Alexis Goodwin made two free throws in the final seconds to give Dallas County (5-8) a 38-37 win over Marbury.

The win was the Hornets’ first class 5A, area 6 win of the year. Tyneshia Jones scored 9 of her 11 points in the first quarter to lead Dallas County in scoring. Woodson and Jamerah Smith had 6 points for the Hornets. J’Kierra Petterson also knocked down a 3-pointer for Dallas County. Marbury won the first meeting between the teams this year.
Selma 65, Chilton County 39 (Girls)

Selma (16-1) kept its hot start to the season going Tuesday with a dominant 65-39 win over Chilton County. Areyana Williams scored 15 points to lead the Saints and Jacquetta Dailey had 13.
Southside 57, Prattville

Christian 54 (Girls)

Kionah Page scored 13 points to lead three players in double scoring as Southside (9-7) topped Prattville Christian 57-54.

Sharita Benjamin scored 12 points and Alexis Acoff had 10 for the Panthers.