MHS defeats Jefferson Christian, McGehee hits 300

Published 3:08 pm Friday, January 31, 2020

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The Maplesville boys basketball team defeated Jefferson Christian Academy 66-53 on the road Jan. 28.

Not only was it the 11th win of the season for the Red Devils, it was also the 300th career victory for head coach Stacy McGehee.

Maplesville got off to a fast start to open the game, which was fueled in large part to a pressure defense that forced JCA into turnovers.

The result was the Red Devils leading 25-12 at the end of one.

According to McGehee, the game’s first quarter was one of the best point-production quarters the team had played this season.

Jackson Abbott was a major reason for the offensive output. He scored 16 of the 25 points and went 3-for-6 from downtown.

The bevy of points proved to be a valuable cushion after the Red Devils only scored 11 points in the second quarter, which included a three-minute scoreless streak.

However, the MHS defense continued to frustrate JCA and the Red Devils led 36-29 at halftime following a make at the buzzer by Abbott.

According to McGehee, he made some adjustments to the zone offense Maplesville runs and it seemed to work as they scored on their first six possessions of the second half.

Seniors Corey Stephens and Ryan Morrow helped lead the way with seven points apiece in the third quarter.

“All of the baskets were by the aid of an assist,” McGehee said. “The spacing, finding the open man and that person finishing was huge.”

From there, Maplesville was able to maintain it’s comfortable lead for the remainder of the game.

Kaylan Hardy eventually punctuated the night’s scoring with a dunk following a drive down the lane.

The Red Devils followed up the performance with another road victory, this time against West Blocton, 68-44 Jan. 30.