Staff Reports

RAINBOW CITY – Cooper Austin scored 33 points, including eight 3-pointers, to go along with five assists, four steals, two blocked shots and a rebound, in leading the Spring Garden Panthers to a 71-56 basketball win at Westbrook Christian on Tuesday.

The win clinched the top spot in the Class 2A, Area 12 tournament.

Jacob Welsh added 13 points, seven boards, five blocks and four steals for the Panthers (11-6). Chaz Pope and Andrew Bates both had six points. Bates connected on a pair of treys. John Welsh finished with five points, eight rebounds and five steals.

Westbrook jumped out to a 17-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Spring Garden rallied in the second quarter to take a 25-24 advantage into halftime. The Panthers outscored the Warriors 28-20 in the third quarter to take a 53-44 edge.

In girls action, Neely Welsh netted 25 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals in the Lady Panthers’ 74-29 win.

Kayley Kirk collected 13 points, five boards, five steals and three assists for Spring Garden (21-1). Ace Austin added 12 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, five steals and two blocks. Sarah Kate McKay managed 11 points, eight boards and two assists.

Libby Brown came away with eight points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Bri Boles finished with five points, a pair of rebounds and a steal.

Both Spring Garden teams await the winners of Thursday’s Cedar Bluff-Gaylesville games in the Cherokee County Tournament on Friday.