By Scott Sickler

Times-News Sports Editor

MONTGOMERY — The Springwood Lady Wildcats basketball team opened the season in style here Tuesday evening as coach Rick Johnson’s team posted an impressive 44-26 win over host Evangel Christian Academy. “It was good to get that first game and work out a few of the nerves and kinks that a young team will experience,” Johnson noted. “To beat a tough Evangel team in our season opener was a real positive for us. This year will be a journey for our team as we try to build on our past success at Springwood. I thought our passing and spacing on offense was a real key to the game, as we were able to isolate players to produce from their areas of strength.”

The Lady Wildcats had nine players in the scoring column led by sophomore Andie Martin with a team and game-high 16 points. Springwood led 4-3 at the end of the first quarter but turned up its offensive pressure, tallying 16 second quarter points.

Sophomore McKayla Barber scored all eight of her points in the second. Seniors Kari Sims and Amaya Battle each had four points while Elizabeth McClendon tallied two. Freshman Emily Drake chipped in with four points, sophomore Dee Williams, junior Ali Davis and freshman Courtney Easlick added two points each.

•In the junior varsity game, Springwood posted a 25-16 win. “The key part of the game proved to be holding the home team scoreless in the third quarter and we scored eight,” Johnson noted. “Springwood was led by freshman post Lucy Spivey with eight points and her classmates Easlick and Emily Drake added six each. Anna Smith and Madisen Reeves also added a basket.”

Led by Johnson, the Lady Wildcats have been one of the most successful girls programs in AISA history. Just two seasons ago, Springwood recorded a rare perfect 32-0 season and has made the Final Four four times in the last five seasons.

•Springwood will be in Prattville Thursday playing East Memorial Christian.