By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle.
The Ariton Purple Cats capped off a dramatic night on the hardwood with a 59–54 overtime victory against their county and school system rival, GW Long Rebels, securing the Class 2A Area 4 regular season championship.
The Purple Cats delivered in the clutch, sealing the win by knocking down 11 consecutive free throws in the extra period to pull away and lock up first place in the area standings.
Addison Senn led Ariton with a game-high 22 points, while Cooper Murphy posted a strong double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Bryson Rhett added nine points and 11 rebounds, and Pierce Gill chipped in eight points to round out a balanced scoring effort.
GW Long was paced by Preston Williams, who poured in 26 points, and Jakiyan Redding, who finished with 17 in a hard-fought effort that pushed the game into overtime.
Following the win, Ariton head coach Brett Goodwin reflected on the team’s remarkable turnaround from a year ago.
“We finished last year with an area record of 1–5 for last place and finished this regular season 5–1 and first place,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin credited the championship run to growth and chemistry within the roster.
“The turnaround this season comes from more trust amongst teammates and developing a defensive mindset that is gritty and tough,” he said. “The boys have matured and learned how to play together this season.”
Ariton will host Northside Methodist Academy on January 26, while Long hits the road to take on Houston Academy on January 27.
