By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 62-Sylvania 39

RAINSVILLE, Ala.- In the semifinal game of the DeKalb County Tournament, Plainview defeated Sylvania 62-39, Monday night.  They will  advance to the tournament final against Geraldine, this Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7:45 p.m.

Inclement weather over the weekend forced the games to be cancelled and the semifinals were moved to Monday.

Plainview came into the semifinals on a 10-game winning streak, hoping to advance to the finals for the second year in a row and defend their, County Championship title.  The Rams jumped to a 5-4 lead with 3:25 left in the first quarter but Plainview Bear, Jeffrey Armstrong stole the Ram ball. He took it down the court to score for the Bears and put them in the lead. Sylvania’s Hunter Hill hit a 3-pointer to cut the Bear lead to 2.  Going into the second quarter, Plainview held a  15-10 lead over the Rams.

The second quarter featured a showcase of 3- point baskets. Hill was point on, scoring a 3-pointer to cut the Bear lead again to two points, halfway thru the second quarter.  Clay Cooper regained control of the lead for the Bears with his 3-pointer.  The Rams momentum seemed to stall in the second quarter and the Bears jumped to a 41-27 lead going into the half.

Sylvania’s Hill came back from the half and made a 4-point play to cut the Plainview lead to 10.  The Rams outscored the Bears in the third quarter, 8-7.

The fourth quarter saw the Bears totally dominate their rival, trying to cool down  Hill and his 3-pointers, and outscoring the Rams 14-4.  The 69-39 victory over the Rams gave the Bears the chance to face Geraldine in the championship game for the second year in a row.

Clay Cooper and Koby Tinker scored double digits for the Bears. Cooper had 18 points and four, three-pointers.  Tinker scored 10 points with two 3-pointers.  Will Kirk led the Bears with four rebounds.

Hunter Hill led the Rams with 21 points.  He scored six 3-pointers for the night.