Plainview falls to New Hope in Regionals

Plainview falls to New Hope in Regionals

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

New Hope 62-Plainview 59

JACKSONVILLE, Ala.—The phenomenal season of the Plainview Bears came to an end Wednesday as they fell to New Hope in the finals of the Class 3A Northeast Regional Tournament 62-59.

Plainview took the early lead over New Hope to close out the first with a score of 16-13.  They had their largest point advantage over the Indians in the second by 9 points.  Going into the half, the Bears led 29-23.

Coming back from the intermission, New Hope outscored the Plainview 19-7 in the third.  In the fourth, New Hope had their highest point advantage over Plainview by 13 points with 4:37 remaining in the game.  In the fourth, Plainview came within 3 points of the Indians before the final buzzer sounded.

Plainview led the game for 15:29 minutes.  New Hope had the lead for 15:07.  The lead changed between the two teams 6 times and the score was tied twice.

Plainview Bears had three players who scored in the double digits.  Sophomore, Jeffery Armstrong led with 17.  Seniors , Jake Slay and Will Kirk finished out their career as a Bear with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Plainview had three Bears who were chosen for the 2016 AHSAA Class 3A Northeast Regional All-Tournament Team—Jeffery Armstrong, Will Kirk and Jake Slay.

“What a basketball game! This was how a regional finals should be played”, said Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker. “It was back and forth game and our guys battled.” Coker said. “They have been a phenomenal group to coach all year long. They show up and work hard.”  When asked about the Seniors who will be leaving the team, Coker had this to say, “They have been great leaders.  They are the kind of men you want your daughter to marry.  They will be successful in whatever they decide to do in life.”

The Plainview Bears finish the season with a 27-5 record.  Coach Robi Coker said the Bears slogan for the year has been “Our time”, No one is guaranteed tomorrow, we need to focus on now, the present,” Coker said. “This was “our time” this season and I believe that we showed our true characters as men.”