ROGERSVILLE— Stephanie Bentley has been anxious to get back on the basketball court. And it was obvious Friday night.

A week after suffering a mild concussion and being carted off on a headboard by medical staff, Bentley finally took to the hardwood again, tossing in eight points to help lead Elkmont to a 63-52 win over Lexington in the opening day of the Northwest Alabama Christmas Tournament at Lauderdale County High School.

"I was just glad to be able to get back out there," Bentley said. "I knew I wasn't going to be at the level I should be, but I knew my teammates were depending on me. I'm just ready to be able to get back to what I'm capable of doing and tonight was a good starting point."

Lexington held the Lady Red Devils to just four points in the first quarter, but an eight-point run led by senior Bailey Robinson pulled Elkmont to within four midway through the second period. A layup by Lexington's Katelyn Hammond extended the Lady Golden Bears lead to 20-14, but another trey by Robinson made it 20-17 with 3:21 remaining before halftime.

Brooke Pressnell made it a one-point game by making both free throws from the charity stripe. A three from Robinson on the Lady Red Devils following possession gave them the lead with 1:11 to go, but a three by Hammond helped Lexington regain the lead.

Robinson added her fifth three-pointer of the quarter as time ran down to send both teams into the locker room tied at 25.

"We came out stagnant," Elkmont coach Steve Bates said. "We just weren't moving and being aggressive."

Bentley scored her first two points of the game in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Robinson hit another trey, followed by a layup on the Lady Red Devils next possession to break open the game.

Lexington came within six points in the second half but never regained the lead.

Robinson scored a team-high 32 points and added six steals and seven assists. Brooke Pressnell had seven points, while Olivia Pressnell and Courtney Phillips each had five points apiece.

Elkmont takes on the winner of the Wayne County, Tenn.-Phil Campbell game tonight at 7:30.



Clements 65, Sheffield 45

Jordan Beggs led the Class 2A, third-ranked Lady Colts with 28 points Friday night. DaNeisha Malone added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Jessica Petty had 10 points, five assists and 10 steals.

Clements advances in the winners bracket and will take on Class 2A top-ranked Cold Springs tonight at 6 p.m.



Athens 58, Haleyville 56

The Lady Golden Eagles trailed 32-30 at halftime but managed a second half comeback for the win. Ashley Jackson paced Athens with 15 points. Kajonica Hankins tossed in 12 points. Elizabeth Ming had 10 points, while Elizabeth Schexnayder added seven points.

Caroline King led all Haleyville scorers with 28 points.

Athens is scheduled to take on Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa at 4:30 this afternoon.



Red Bay 59, West Limestone 46

Elizabeth Dison had 21 points for the Lady Wildcats but it wasn't enough as they fell to Red Bay.

Heidi Taylor had eight points and nine rebounds.

West Limestone will play again on Monday at 1:30 p.m.