By Ashley Hargrove
TANNER — Another year, another trophy.
In more than 15 years of coaching basketball, Tanner High coach Chris Whitt has won 10 straight area tournament titles. Monday night his team picked up number 11 as the Rattlers defeated Clements 67-42 in the Class 2A, Area 16 finals.
“I thought we played pretty good defense, but we didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half,” Whitt said. “We played much better in the third.”
Tanner’s defense prevailed early, holding the Colts to just four points in the first quarter. The Rattlers led 26-16 at the half and carried the 10-point cushion through most of the third quarter before ending it on a 13-0 run.
Clements trimmed the lead to 48-28 after a three by Luke Moore, but Tanner outscored the Colts 19-17 in the final period for the win.
Matthew Hines led the Rattlers (14-10) with 18 points. Terrence Pendleton tossed in 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Marquis McDonald and Tray Cosby each added 11 points.
The Colts got 18 points from Luke Moore. Devante Williams chipped in with 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. Justin Kephart pulled down nine rebounds.
With the win, Tanner will host Cleveland Friday at 7 p.m. while Clements travels to Cold Springs for the sub-regional tournament.
In other area tournament finals, West Limestone fell to Madison Academy 63-46. Preston Herring led all Wildcat scorers with 19 points. They will travel to face Good Hope, the winner of the Class 3A, Area 14 tournament, Friday.
Due to the winter weather that closed Lauderdale County Schools Monday, the Class 4A, Area 15 final between Ardmore and East Lawrence at Brooks was postponed until tonight.
The Lady Tigers will play Brooks at 6 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30.
