Escambia County’s Lue Williams scored 17 points to help lead the Blue Devils to a 54-43 victory over Monroe County in the ECHS Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28.

Williams, the tournament most valuable player, scored 11 of his points in the second half.

The Blue Devils, who defeated Andalusia 72-40 on night one of the tournament, led 20-9 after the first period over MCHS and 33-21 at the break.

Escambia County’s John Dirden led a late 4-0 run in the first half with good defense on the baseline.

“We played hard (Dec. 28),” ECHS coach Rodney Jackson said. “Monroe was a scrappy team. They played well tonight. They made a few shots.”

Jackson said it was outstanding to get a win heading into the New Year’s break and the second half of the season, which entails Class 4A, Area 1 play against W.S. Neal, UMS-Wright and Williamson.

Jackson said the key to the tournament championship was playing man to man and making shots against MCHS.

With the victory, the Blue Devils improve to 11-3 on the season.

Malik Brown chipped in 10 points in the win; Allen Pattesron had seven; and Sheldon Williams had five.

Monroe County’s Torion Gibbs led with 19 points.

Lue Williams and Patterson, ECHS; Elijah McClain, Andalusia; Gibbs, MCHS; and Graderius Brown, Linden, made the all tournament team.