Eagles advance to area championship

Oak Mountain put on a defensive display that would be impressive against any level of opponent in the first round of the Class 7A, Area 5 Tournament on Thursday night.

The Eagles won the game against Tuscaloosa County, 47-38, but the final doesn't begin to tell the story of the first half.

Tuscaloosa County mustered just two points in the first half. At halftime, the Eagles held a 26-2 lead, which allowed them to coast to victory in the second half.

Will Stephenson led the way for Oak Mountain with 11 points. Payton Youngblood and Kris Hutchins each scored seven.

Kei Leatherwood scored a game-high 14 points for Tuscaloosa County.

With the win, Oak Mountain clinches a spot in the area tournament championship game, which will be at home against Hoover on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Eagles also wrapped up a spot in the regional round of the state playoffs and are now 23-7 on the season.