Verbena’s boys basketball team took a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back in a 70-45 win over Wadley in the first round of the Class 1A, Area 7 tournament at Edward Bell High School.

The early lead for the Red Devils was surprising because neither team scored until the first period was almost halfway over—thanks to Wadley’s holding the ball on offense to keep the clock running.

The Devils play Edward Bell at 6:30 p.m. Friday in a semifinal game.

Brad Boswell made six 3-pointers in nine attempts to lead Verbena with 20 points.

Brandon White scored 16 points, and Jaronskie Williams had 13 points.