Fraise scores 34 to pace Lions to OT victory Adamsville tournament

Staff reports

FLORENCE - Thomas Fraise had 34 points, and North Alabama survived a pair of missed free three throws in the final seconds to hold on for a 91-90 overtime win over Arkansas Tech on Saturday at Flowers Hall.

ATU's Chad Henderson missed two free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining in overtime to preserve the win for the Lions (5-1). Tech falls to 4-2 with the loss.

'I thought we had a lot of guys step up and contribute tonight,' said UNA head coach Bobby Champagne. 'Thomas Fraise and Kenny Johnson continued to lead us on offense, but we had some key defensive plays by people like Phil Collins, Jarelle Redded and Isaac Gay. We are going to need everyone to come through for us this year if we want to continue to win close games.'

UNA had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but a 3-pointer by Kenny Johnson at the top of the key was off the mark as time expired. The extra period featured three ties before Tech grabbed a 90-89 lead on a layup by Troy Marcus.

Marcus was fouled but was unable to complete the three-point play, setting the stage for Johnson's jumper with 15 seconds remaining. Henderson drove to the basket and drew the foul with 2.9 seconds remaining but could not convert from the foul line. Gay grabbed the defensive to secure the victory.

Johnson added 19 points and had 10 assists on the night. Redden hit seven shots, including two 3-pointers to finish with 16 points for the Lions.

Arkansas Tech had five players reach double digits in scoring, with Marcus' 25 points leading the way. The Wonder Boys also held a 38-30 advantage in rebounding.

'Arkansas Tech is an extremely good team and their post players played well tonight,' Champagne added. 'We also had some long phases of the game where we didn't execute and get the ball inside.'

High School

Russellville Thanksgiving Tournament

Florence 52, Rogers 42: Florence used a 16-7 burst in the third quarter to create separation on the way to a win against Rogers in the semifinals.

Jasmine Green scored 11 points and Stephanie Martin added 10 points for the Falcons.

Rogers 41, Tanner 31: Laken White scored 10 points and Cara Pettus scored eight points and had 14 rebounds to lead Rogers (3-1) past Tanner in the consolation game.

Shaykira Lovett led Tanner with 11 points.

Red Bay finishes 2-1: The Tigers picked up wins against Tharptown and Haleyville after losing to Florence on the first day of the tournaemnt.

Caitlin Childress scored 12, and Whitney Sharp added 11 in a 55-54 win against Tharptown. Hollie Hines scored 22 points for Tharptown, and Chelsea McCluskey added 17.

Sharp scored a game-high 23 to lead Red Bay (3-2) to a 58-55 win against Haleyville. Caroline King scored 18 points for Haleyville.

Boys

Covenant Christian 76, Skyline 41: Tayler Farris scored a game-high 20 points as Covenant Christian finsihed second in the Athens Bible Thanksgiving Tournament.

Farris was joined in double figures by John Sasser and Joe Flippo with 13 points each, and Caleb Minetree with 12.

Covenant Christian (7-4) led 44-20 at the half.

Rotary Noon Holiday Tournament

Wayne County 63, Cornersville 55: Micah Brantley and Tyler Rice scored 17 points apiece to lead Wayne County (2-10 past Cornersville.

Tyler Allen added 12 points in the win, while Brandon Kendrick paced Cornersville with 17 points.

Wayne County jumped in front 21-8 after the first quarter and never trailed.

Collinwood 67, McNairy Central 55: Tyler Thompson scored a game-high 30 points to lead Collinwood to the tournament title.

Jacob Gobble added 12 for the Trojans, and Tanner Andrews chipped in with 10.

Rotary Noon Holiday Tournament

Wayne County 60, Cornersville 49: Jessica Hammonds scored a game-high 18 points and Kesley Risner (15) and Jordan Risner (12) comcbined for 27 to lead Wayne County (3-1) to the win.

Wayne County pulled away in the second half, outscoring Cornersville 38-27.