SOUTHEAST 7A REGIONAL: Plaid britches the spark in Vols' win
By GRAHAM DUNN
Jeff Davis coach LaKenya Knight was looking for a spark to get the Volunteers to the next level of the AHSAA Class 7A playoffs, even if it meant a change in clothes.
A check of her favorite Internet clothing store provided what she needed – a pair of green and gold plaid slacks.
“I went online and looked for something different and found them,” she admitted.
Success also was found. Jeff Davis moved into the Class 7A Southeast Regional final with a 68-62 win over Auburn on Thursday at Garrett Coliseum, setting up a third meeting with Robert E. Lee in the regional final.
It will be the first regional championship game for JD since 2007 when it knocked off G.W. Carver on the way to a berth to the Class 6A finals.
The Vols got 26 points from point guard Sakievian Haynes and 17 more from Jordan Wesley in the win. Ironically, senior Rongie Gordon didn’t have his typical numbers, scoring just six points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-8 at the free throw line.
“I think he was trying too hard at times, wanting for force things,” Knight said of the UAB signee. “They made it tough on him but he still had nine rebounds and six block shots. I’ll take that.”
The Vols (16-15) will need the full game from Gordon if they are to get past Lee, which won all three meetings this season.
“You know what you are facing with the next one,” Knight said. “We had some tough games so far.”
As for the slacks, Knight wasn’t ready to commit.
“It’s a game-time decision,” she said with a grin.
Lee and JD play Tuesday morning at Garrett Coliseum.
Auburn girls 62, Jeff Davis 28
The Auburn Lady Tigers held Jeff Davis to 11 points in the first half on the way to an easy win in the Class 7A Southeast Regional at Garrett Coliseum on Thursday.
Olivia Porter recorded a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead Auburn (21-10).
Jeff Davis (16-14) did not place a player in double figures.
Auburn will face Central-Phenix City in the regional final on Tuesday.