By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Marbury Bulldogs girls’ basketball team trailed Briarwood Christian by 5 points at halftime of the Class 5A Central Regional Final. With a trip to the Class 5A Final Four on the line, the Bulldogs came out in the 3rd quarter and dominated defensively, holding Briarwood Christian to only three points in the quarter, and outscoring them by 11 points. Marbury led by as many as 13 points in the 4th quarter before winning 49-42.
“We implemented a game plan that forced their shooters to create their own shots,” said Marbury Coach Reggie Brown. “We played sort of a hybrid defense that forced them not to be a catch and shoot team. Our girls did an excellent job in executing the game plan. After one of our key players had to sit for fouls, we had some players step up and hit some timely shots.”
For the game, Justice Blackmon scored 21 points and Nunu Jernigan had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Bulldogs will return to the Final Four for the first time since 2020. Coach Brown expressed his pride in this group of girls.
“I’m proud of them for setting a goal, working towards that goal, and accomplishing the task at hand. That’s all we talk about. I try to use the game of basketball to teach them life lessons. I tell them all the time that nothing is given in this world. You have to work hard for it and earn it or go take it. Our girls have dedicated themselves to the game, worked hard individually, and improved every year as ball players. Now they’re reaping the rewards.”
Marbury will face Ramsay in the Class 5A semi-final on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the BJCC in Birmingham. According to Max Preps, the Rams have won 17 games in a row and have not lost since late December. They are the Class 5A Area 10 champ, and the Class 5A Northeast Regional champion.
“We’re facing a well-coached and athletic team in Ramsay,” said Coach Brown. “It seems like we’ve been the underdog in the last few contests, but we try to play our best ball to prevail as a team. We just want to keep our same mindset going into each contest and play our best ball!”
With a win in the semi-final, the Bulldogs would advance to the Class 5A state championship game on Saturday, March 1. Whatever happens, Coach Brown will coach his last game with the Bulldogs at the BJCC.
“I know this is my last year coaching and Marbury basketball means a lot to me. I’ve had most of these girls since the 9th grade and they have been working so hard to get to this point. I’m just proud of the effort and dedication they’ve shown throughout the years. So, making it this far, with this being my last year, means the world to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better going away present! Thank you, girls!”
