Story by Mark Everett Kelly mark@southerntorch.com

Boys

Gadsden City 52

Fort Payne 42

The Wildcats fell to the Titans for the second time in their last three games, 52-42 on Friday night.

Jakobi Sharp (24 points) and Devin Barksdale (21 points) accounted for 87 percent of the road team’s points, as Gadsden City improved to 3-0 in the region.

Fort Payne held the Titans to 39 percent shooting (18/46), including 7-28 from long-range, but struggled early against the road team’s pressure defense.

The Wildcat’s 19 turnovers led to 22 points for Gadsden City, while the five turnovers forced by Fort Payne did not result in any points.

J.J. Willoughby led Fort Payne with 14 points, and Levi Crow finished with 12 points, making five of his seven field goal attempts.

The two teams will meet again in the area tournament, Feb. 1-4.

Girls

Gadsden City 33

Fort Payne 40

The Lady Wildcats improved to 3-0 in region play, defeating Gadsden City for the second time this season, 40-33 on Friday night.

Steve Sparks’ team won for the 13th time in their last 15 games, suffocating the road team with their trademark defense.

Fort Payne held an opponent to 35 points or fewer for the 15th time this season.