Monroe boys fall to Cordova 69-63 in 4A semifinals
BIRMINGHAM, AL (ashaa.com) — Isaac Chatman sank three free throws and Kolbi Fuqua two in the final 27 seconds of the fourth quarter to lift Cordova past Monroe County 69-63 in the Class 4A boys’ semifinals of the 2016 State Basketball Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena Tuesday.
Leading 64-63, Chatman made one free throw with 27 seconds left to put the Coach Heath Burns’ Blue Devils (25-5) ahead by two. Fuqua rebounded a blocked Monroe County shot with 15 seconds left, was fouled and sank both free throws for a 67-63 lead, and Chatman went to the line once more with three seconds left and sank another pair to close out the win.
Chatman finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals and was 9-of-12 from the foul line for the game. Chatman’s brother Mykelti chipped in 18 points, blocked three shots and had six rebounds. Jayce Willingham added 15 points. He and Isaac Chatman sank two 3-pointers each.
Monroe County (26-6), coached by Anthony Hayes, outscored Cordova 17-12 in the final period to push the Blue Devils to the limit. Tyler Stallworth led the Tigers with 21 points, DeAndre Robinson added 19 and Franky Banks had 12. Each sank two 3-point goals.
Cordova advances to the Class 4A state finals the BJCC Legacy Arena Friday at 5:45 p.m.
The 1A girls’ and boys’ finals will be Thursday at 4 and 5:45 p.m. respectively.
Classes 2A, 3A and 4A play girls’ and boys’ championships Friday while the State Finals conclude Saturday with Classes 5A, 6A and 7A championship games.
