Play defense.

Rebound.

Limit turnovers.

Make high-percentage shots.

Those are some keys Escambia County must adhere to as the Blue Devils kick off Class 4A, Area 2 tournament play tomorrow in Andalusia.

After a coin toss to break a three-way tie, AHS won the right to host the tournament, and will face W.S. Neal in the semifinals. ECHS drew the short end of the stick and has to face Monroe County tomorrow in the semifinals at 5 p.m. The Blue Devils lost twice to the Tigers during regular-season area play.

“We just need to play defense and score the basketball,” ECHS basketball coach Rodney Jackson said. “Monroe has a good team.

“If we get through Monroe, we win,” he said.

Jackson said he also believes limiting turnovers shooting those high-percentage shots, including layups and short-range field goals, are also keys.

Jackson said Monroe County’s Tyler Stallworth is a good player, and will get his points.

“I mean, we’ll have to play good defense on Stallworth and get him uncomfortable,” he said. “Stallworth is a good player. No. 3, Albert (Middleton), is a good player.”

Jackson said inspite of MCHS’s record against his team, the players believe they can win this week.