Randolph-Clay sweeps region championships

ALBANY – The Randolph-Clay basketball teams claimed both Region 1-A titles Friday night at Albany State West, with the Lady Red Devils edging No. 4-ranked Seminole County 35-34 and the No. 2-ranked Red Devils defeating No. 3-ranked Calhoun County 55-49.

Lady Red Devils Rally Late for Championship Victory

Randolph-Clay jumped out to a 17-9 lead in the second quarter of the girls’ championship game, but Seminole County fought back, tying the game at 23-23 on a Zariah Martin jump shot with 1:28 left in the third quarter.

Late in the fourth, Martin drained a three-pointer from the corner to give the Lady Indians a 34-31 lead. Seminole had possession with a chance to close out the game, but Randolph-Clay’s Ziah Johnson came up with a crucial steal and raced to the basket. She missed but was fouled and calmly sank both free throws to cut the deficit to one.

On Seminole’s next possession, Randolph-Clay blocked a shot, and Kamerria West secured the rebound. She drove to the basket, missed the layup, but was fouled. West then stepped to the line and sank both free throws, securing the 35-34 victory for the Lady Red Devils.

Takyrah Jones led Randolph-Clay with 12 points, while West added seven and Justice Mock chipped in six. Equesha Daniels paced Seminole County with 12 points.

Red Devils Hold Off Calhoun County for Boys’ Title

The boys’ championship game was an intense, fast-paced battle, with both teams playing aggressive defense and pushing the tempo. Frequent fouls led to extended referee discussions, briefly slowing the action.

Randolph-Clay led 17-14 after the first quarter and extended its advantage to seven points in the second. Calhoun County responded, and Zion Suber’s jumper with five seconds left in the half gave the Cougars a 28-26 lead at the break.

Jes’Us Daniels knocked down a three-pointer to put Randolph-Clay ahead 39-36 at the end of the third, and with three minutes left in the game, Adrian Price drilled a corner three to push the Red Devils’ lead to 49-43. Calhoun County was unable to recover.

Daniels finished with 17 points to lead Randolph-Clay, while Tyrion Smith scored 14 and Jaleen Gibson added nine.

Suber led Calhoun County with 14 points, Zechariah Canidate scored 12, and Jadon Welch contributed eight.

With the victory, Randolph-Clay (25-2) earns the top seed heading into the state playoffs. Calhoun County (21-3) takes the second seed, with all three of its losses this season coming against the Red Devils.