Ashville basketball makes history, reaches first state final

BIRMINGHAM — Ashville didn't need overtime this time around to make history in the AHSAA Final Four.

After a double-overtime win over Alexandria in the Sweet 16 and another overtime victory against Madison Academy in the Elite Eight, the Bulldogs did it again, this time a 70-55 win in regulation over Jackson (24-2) on Tuesday, March 3 at Legacy Arena. It's the first time Ashville (31-3) has advanced to a state title game in program history.

The Bulldogs took a 31-25 lead after a first half in which they never trailed.

Jackson senior guard Jiquell Armstrong shrank Ashville's lead to under 10 points after a pair of free throws, but a fastbreak layup from Ashville senior guard JB Potter with one second left in the third quarter put the Bulldogs up 50-39 to start the last quarter.

The Bulldogs relied on a spread of players to wrap up the game in a healthy bow. After a pull-up 3-point make off a fast break by Armstrong for the Aggies, Jackson went on a scoring drought for just under 2½ minutes.

In that time, Potter had a steal that turned into a fast-break layup after a free throw by senior center Parker Smith, who followed the score with a layup of his own.

Senior guard Dylan Palmer followed with back-to-back layups that set the Bulldogs up at 61-42 with 4:36 left in the game.

As the game neared the end and the crowd swelled in anticipation of Ashville's historic moment, Potter, who ended the night with 26 points and 11 rebounds, grabbed the ball and dunked with 22 seconds left. One free throw later, the Bulldogs were championship bound.

Ashville will face off in its first state championship matchup against Fairfield for the Class 4A boys title at 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 6.

Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Ashville basketball makes history, reaches first state final