PDL wins 2-1A Title, Stops South Walton 56-42

Staff Report

PONCE DE LEON — Ponce de Leon defeated South Walton for the third time this season, 56-42, to claim the Regon 2-1A championship Saturday night.

The inaugural Rural classification 1A state tournament began Tuesday at the Lakeland Center with Ponce de Leon playing Holmes County and Hilliard Middle-Senior met Newberry. The semifinal winners play 9 a.m. today to decide the state championship.

A storm that passed through the region about 7:30 p.m. Saturday caused about 45 seconds of darkness in the Ponce de Leon gymnasium, but the delay in Bonifay was at least 90 minutes at the Holmes County High School gymnasium, where Holmes County was facing Malone for the 1-1A title.

Ponce de Leon, 26-2, scored the opening six points against South Walton and never trailed, leading 31-19 at halftime.

“We came out pretty good, but South Walton came back and had it cut to seven,” said PDL head coach Tim Alford. “I think just making some plays with the ball in the fourth quarter. We kind of settled down and made some plays.”

Ashley Harper had 13 points, Kate Carroll 12 and JoJo Carlson eight for the Pirates. Post player Jazz Flock encountered early foul trouble and was limited to seven points and six rebounds.

Carlson had seven rebounds, Carroll six and Harper five for PDL. Carroll and Harper each had three assists.

South Walton ended 21-9. Taylor Menard topped the Seahawks with eight points. Morgan Kennedy and Allysa Bump each had six.