BAY MINETTE – The Baldwin County High School Tigers advanced to the South Regional Tournament the second year in a row by defeating Robertsdale Golden Bears 77-53.

The first quarter was all Baldwin County as they took the early 12-4 lead, but Robertsdale was able to stay in the game with the 16-13 deficit. The Golden Bears came back in the second quarter with an early 6-0 run to give them the 19-16 lead with 6:04 on the clock. Baldwin County tied the game at 20-20 with a two-point shot by Chris Bush, then a three point jump shot by Aaron Williams gave the tigers the 23-20 pull ahead. A lay-up by Brandon Ellis tied the game at 31-31 going into half time.

Baldwin County came out of the locker room with determination as they took an early third quarter 9-0 run to pull away 40-33 and never looked back. Up by ten, 59-49 with 4:13 left on the clock, the Tigers started another 8-0 run for a 18 point lead, 67-49 after which Robertsdale was unable to fend of the onslaught with the Tigers winning with the final score 77-53.

Michael Stanley led the Tigers with 21 points and Charleston Gandy scored 15. Ellis scored 23 points for his Golden Bears with teammate Queinton Evans coming up with 14 points.

"We executed well in the first half and managed to keep the game within reason, but in the second half Baldwin County came out aggressive and we were unable to contain them,” Robertsdale head coach Marshall Davis said. “I think both teams played exceptionally hard tonight and I wish the Tigers luck in the regionals."

Baldwin County coach Lorenzo Hunter had a lot to say about the game and his team after the game.

"Playing a team three times and winning each one is tough, but coming in and playing a team four times and winning each game by 20 or more points speaks volumes,” Hunter said. “Tonight, although I didn't like what I saw, I gave the team a mental challenge at half time and they came back and responded well. We continue to make the Regionals our home whether its in Mobile or Troy as in this case. With this game and every game I feel like the starters push each other and the rest of the team. (Charleston) Gandy stepped up tonight with the mentalality that he wasn't going to let the team lose, while Stanley when he starts smelling blood he won't back down until the final buzzer."