Ashley Henley and the Lanier Lady Poets found rough going against the Lady Red Devils of Central-Phenix City on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)

Staff Report
(Feb. 17, 2010)

It was a day to forget for River Region teams.

Four Class 6A teams played on Tuesday in the Central Regional at the Alabama State Acadome. Three were out before the sun went down – both teams from Sidney Lanier and Prattville were upended.

Only the Jeff Davis girls survived and will play in the regional finals on Friday. The Lady Vols defeated Dothan, 64-43, to advance.

“I can’t really explain it,” Lanier coach Steve Holloway said. “It is unusual but it is what it is. There is a lot of disappointment around here today.”

The disappointment continued later in the evening when St. Jude went down, 64-54, to Lanett, ending the Lady Pirates’ hopes for a Class 2A state title.

More teams will attempt to advance to the finals in their respective classifications including the much-anticipated rematch between G.W. Carver’s boys and Valley. The two teams were the center of attention last year for all the wrong reasons.

They are getting similar attention prior to Wednesday’s matchup at the ASU Acadome.

“I expect both teams and their fans to be on their best behavior,” said Steve Bailey of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. “I believe we will have a great game to go along with a great tournament.”