No. 5 Selma flexed its muscle in a 79-23 win over Chilton County to advance to the championship game of the Class 5A, Area 5 tournament on Thursday.

Selma forced turnovers and took advantage of poor Chilton County shooting to race to a 33-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Saints scored 14 points off seven steals by seniors Keisha Moore and Ashley Grimes, and freshman Joneisha Jackson,

To Selma coach Anthony Harris’s recollection, it was the first time the Saints held an opponent scoreless in the opening period this season.

“We played a pretty good, decent ballgame,” said Harris. “We played aggressive defense the whole game.”

It was that defense that gave the Tigers the most trouble. Selma finished with 21 steals on the night, led by Grimes and Moore with five apiece.

“We came in knowing that Selma was going to be quicker,” said Chilton County coach Misty Jones. “They came out ready to play. I don’t know what to say.”

A Tylita Harrell 3-pointer put Chilton County on the board at the 6:19 mark of the second quarter, making the score 39-3.

The Saints continued to build on their lead, taking a 51-9 advantage into the intermission.

Selma slowed the offensive pace in the second half, but things didn’t get any easier for the Tigers.

Leading 55-14, a Moore layup led to a 9-2 run to close out the third period and extend Selma’s lead to 64-16.

Selma hosts G.W. Carver (Montgomery) for the area chamionship on Monday. Both teams will advance to the next round, but the winner will host.

Four Saints finished in double figures. Strong, Moore and Breanna Smith scored 14 points apiece. Grimes added 10.

Vernice Trimble and Tylita Harrell scored six apiece to lead the Tigers (9-14).