ROGERSVILLE — Freshman Morgan Killen scored a game-high 18 points as

Rogers came from behind to oust Sheffield in the opening round of the Class 3A, Area 16 Tournament.

Thanks to an 8-2 run to close out the quarter, Sheffield led by 9 points after the first eight minutes.

“We were tight starting out.” Rogers coach Shelley Brown said. “We finally loosened up and started playing better on defense and with the press.”

Largely a product of their full-court press, the Pirates forced 22 turnovers and cashed them into baskets to close to within one point at the half.

Rogers claimed the lead just two minutes into the third quarter and did not relinquish it. The Pirates closed the quarter with a 12-1 run to hold a 42-33 advantage.

Sheffield got to within three points midway through the fourth quarter as the Pirates attempted to slow the game’s pace. Hampered by just 4 of 15 shooting from the free-throw line, the Bulldogs were unable to make up the deficit as Rogers, which made 22 of 35 free throws, sank key shots down the stretch to reach the championship game against Lauderdale County.

Maggie Green added 10 points for Rogers.

Nyesha Ricks had 16 points for Sheffield.

n Lauderdale County 84, Colbert County 41: The Tigers opened on a 15-3 run and never looked back coasting past Colbert County.

Lauderdale County knocked down 9 3-pointers, forced 22 turnovers and held Colbert County to 15 first-half points. The Tigers managed a 35-point advantage at the midway point and used additional scoring runs of 13-0 and 10-0 to close out the Indians.

Sophomore Chatara Cox led the Tigers with 18 points.

Liz Noceda scored a game-high 28 points for Colbert County.