PHOTO: The Plainview Varsity Bears took a victory over Piedmont last week and will head into State Semifinals on Tuesday, February 27.
Marla Jones, Sports Editor
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The No. 1 ranked Plainview Bears defeated the Piedmont Bulldogs, 64-36 last Tuesday night to win the 2018 ASHAA Class 3A Northeast Regional Championship and set the All-Time National Record for most 3-pointers (453) made in a season.
Senior Bailey Dukes made the first 3-pointer of the night, scoring with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter. Haden White added his own 3-pointer for the night and the Bears ended the first quarter with a 22-10 advantage over Piedmont.
During the second quarter, Cade Willingham had a pair of 3-pointers and Senior, Clay Cooper chimed in with a 3 as well. The Bears closed the half, with a 42-20 lead over the Bulldogs.
With 3:09 remaining in the third quarter, Jeffery Armstrong added another 3 to his list. At the end of 3, Plainview had the dominating 53-28 lead over Piedmont.
During the fourth, Plainview Cade Willingham added his fourth 3-pointer off the night. With 1:14 remaining in the game, Jackson Hosch made a 3-pointer to bring the total 3-pointers in a Regional Finals game to eleven. Plainview held on to the lead, defeating Piedmont 64-36.
"I thought our guys were extremely locked in. I thought we did a good job pushing the tempo, we wanted to make this a fast game” said Plainview Head Coach Robi Coker. When asked about the 3’s in the game, Coker responded “We are a hard nosed, tough defensive pressure, basketball team that shoots a lot of 3’s.” (Full video of after game press conference available on Southern Torch Facebook page).
Plainview had three players to make the All-Tournament team. Dane Haymon, Jeffery Armstrong and Caden Millican. Millican was named the tournament MVP.
Plainview punched their ticket to the State Finals. They will play the American Christian Academy Patriots in the State Semifinals on Tuesday, February 27 at 1:30 pm.
