The Russellville boys’ basketball team hosted the Mae Jemison Jaguars for the sub-region game of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs in a tough matchup, and the Golden Tigers came up short by a 75-58 final score.

Fresh off their second-straight area championship, RHS came out against Jemison with a solid game plan and played with determination on both ends of the floor – which led to a 7-0 first-quarter start for the home team.

The Golden Tigers finished the opening period with a 14-13 lead, and the two teams went into the halftime break tied at 28-28.

It was the second half when the Jags began to really show their skills. An 18-0 start in favor of Jemison in the third period sank all hopes of an RHS trip to Wallace State.

RHS continued to try for a comeback, but the opponent was too talented. With the loss, Russellville’s record on the season will stand at 15-12.

“We knew that we were playing a very talented team,” said Russellville head coach Patrick Odom said. “I love the way our guys fought all night long.

“You tip your hat to Mae Jemison and the way they shot it early and throughout the second half,” he added. “We needed them to not get hot like that to be able to hang around.”

Russellville was led in scoring by Bralynn Vincent’s 17 points. Conner Warhurst added 13, and Eli Gipson finished his RHS basketball career with nine. Amir Williams scored seven, and Nathan Brockway added five. Boots McCulloch and Nicholas McSpadden scored three apiece, and Ashton Boyd finished with one point.

The Russellville coach said was proud of his team for their effort and accomplishments this season, including going on the road and winning at both West Point and Lawrence County to earn the area tournament title. Coming home and playing in front of a big home crowd was a special way to wrap up the season.

“Our people are always great,” Odom said. “This is what high school basketball is supposed to be, and it’s a lot of fun. I’m very blessed and appreciative just to be a part and to be a Golden Tiger.”