For the second straight year, Elkmont found itself in the Limestone County Tournament semifinals Thursday and for the second straight season, the Red Devils nearly knocked off top-seeded Tanner.

But, as they have all season, the third-ranked Rattlers found a way to win, 41-30, and advance to the championship game.

The final score was indicative of the closeness of the game, especially in the first half. Elkmont executed its game plan to perfection, slowing the game to a crawl in a first quarter in which the team’s combined for seven points.

After three quarters, Tanner led 22-15, but Elkmont was able to pull within four with just over two minutes to play. That’s when Tanner’s J.J. Johnson and Torey Smith took over. Johnson made 7 of 8 free-throw attempts while Smith scored all 10 of his points.

Tanner’s leading scorer, C.J. Yarbrough was held to eight points.

Chance Bailey accounted for more than than half his team’s points, scoring a game-high 18.

Tanner advanced to Saturdays championship game, which begins at 7 p.m. at East Limestone High School.

On Friday, West Limestone’s boys and girls swept East Limestone to advance to the championship game.

Tanner girls in finals again

Tanner advanced to the Limestone County championship game for the sixth straight season with a 52-30 win Thursday over Ardmore. The third-ranked Rattlers shook off a slow start to outscore Ardmore 37-15 in the second half.

After being shut out in the first half, Tanner’s Kirstin Brown exploded for 18 points to help Tanner pull away. The senior was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. Jessika Milton scored a game-high 21 points for Tanner.

Ardmore kept the game close in the first half and actually led just before Milton hit a shot to tie the game at 15 at the break. Karla Hice led Ardmore with 13 points.

Tanner advanced to play East Limestone at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.