Brewer team members include, from left, (front) Presley Craft, Emily Oden, Brook Childers, Cheyenne McLemore, Tamera Chatman, (back) assistant coach Ron Smith, Shelbi Bowen, Riley Northway, Bri Flack, Malerie Drinkard, head coach Ron Smith and assistant coach Shannon Hulse. | Brent Maze

Hartselle girls finish 2nd

Brewer’s girls basketball took the first step toward its ultimate goal of winning its second state championship by defeating Hartselle 60-37 to win the Morgan County Championship Saturday night at the new Hartselle High School gym.

While the team celebration might have been a little reserved compared to its state championship celebration two years ago, the players still enjoyed the championship run, including double-digit wins in all three games.

“It’s a stepping stone for us,” said Savana Flack after the game. “Coach (Ricky Allen) always tells us that this is not the championship trophy that we want. We’re excited, but there are some bigger things oiut ther that we have our eyes on.”

Tournament MVP Riley Northway had another stellar game, collecting 21 points and 13 rebounds. She recently passed the 2,200 mark and continues to add to her school record.

“Winning the county championship never gets old,” Northway said. “It’s a great way to start the most important part of our season.”

“Winning the county championship never gets old,” Northway said. “It’s a great way to start the most important part of our season.”

Emily Oden and Malerie Drinkard each added eight followed by Flack and Brooke Childers with six each, Cheyenne McLemore with three, Presley Craft with three, Bri Flack and Shelbi Bowen with two.

Hartselle was led by Allie Roden with nine followed by Riley Terry with eight, Melissa-Paul Hill with seven, Madison Williams with five, Shaneal Johnson with two, Sarah Ellen Battles with two, Katie Glasgow with two and Riley Corum with two.