By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
MIDLAND CITY—County and system rivals faced off in a night of exciting high school basketball action on Tuesday night as Ariton traveled to face the Dale County Warriors in Midland City.
Dale County certainly did not make it easy for the Class 2A Area 4 Regular Season Champs as the Warriors battled throughout the contest, giving the Purple Cats a worthy opponent to keep them on their toes. A balanced offensive effort and strong work on the boards propelled the Purple Cats to a 68–47 victory over the Warriors.
Ariton placed four players in double figures, led by Addison Senn, who finished with a game-high 18 points. Bryson Rhett added 12 points, while Conner Davidson chipped in 11. Cooper Murphy rounded out the scoring leaders with 10 points and controlled the paint with 16 rebounds, giving the Purple Cats a significant advantage inside.
The Purple Cats built momentum as the game progressed, using their depth and defensive pressure to pull away and keep Dale County from mounting a sustained comeback.
For Dale County, Jayden McGhee was the standout of the night and led the Warriors with 21 points, accounting for nearly half of the team’s total scoring for the night. Junior Smith also turned in a solid performance, finishing with 13 points.
With the win, Ariton improves to an impressive 18-3 record as they prepare to host New Brockton on February 2, and Emmanuel Christian, also at home, on February 3. Dale County will look to regroup ahead of its next matchups. The Warriors will host Providence Christian on January 29 and will travel to face Slocomb on January 30.
Ariton Varsity Boys 2025-26 Photo courtesy of Ariton School.
Dale County High School Warriors Varsity Boys 2025-26. Courtesy of DCHS.
