By By ZACH BROOKS
Sports Writer
The Escambia County High School Blue Devils began their drive to get into the 5A State Playoffs Friday night in a disappointing fashion by losing to the Robertsdale Golden Bears 79-72 in this weekend's Area Tournament held at Blount High School.
The Area Tournament is a big part of making the playoffs. If you win the tournament you get in automatic. Even if you do not win and you play well, you will probably get in.
The Blue Devils hopes of winning were decimated by killer turnovers. The Devils committed 24 turnovers in the game.
Despite the turnovers, the Devils had one of their best shooting nights of their season. They shot above 50% from the field for the first time this year, and also shot a season-best 82% from the free-throw line on 18/22 shooting.
The Golden Bears took over the game early on the strength of their 9-0 lead to begin the first quarter. The Devils could not get anything going on offense, until a James Wilson three-pointer with 1:30 left cut the Bears lead to four to end the quarter.
The Blue Devils owned the second quarter though, as gobbled up the Bears lead, and were up by 10 points with 1:27 left in the first half. The Devils could not hold the lead however, as they committed three turnovers in 34 seconds that the Bears turned into six quick points to go into half-time down only four points instead of ten.
The Bears rode their momentum to a very good third quarter. The Golden Bears outscored the Blue Devils by seven in the third quarter to take a three-point lead, 63-60, into the third quarter.
The Blue Devils committed nine turnovers in the final quarter to help Robertsdale get the 79-72 victory.
Barrett Finney lead the Blue Devils in scoring with 27 points on the night. He also had six rebounds for the Devils.
James Wilson followed for the Devils with 17 points. He lit it up from the three-point line with a career-high four three-pointers. Jeremy McCants also had 12 points for the Devils.
Kenny Clark had his first double double of the season Friday night. He had 10 points and 11 rebounds to lead the team. Steve Moore also had 11 rebounds in the game.
Obie Trotter also had an awesome game for the Golden Bears. He had a game-high 36 points in the Bears win. Jay Miller also had 17 points in the Robertsdale win.