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12/03 - 9:23 PM Boys Basketball Final Madison Academy 55 Columbia 46
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Josh Langford scored 12 big fourth quarter points to help Madison Academy beat Columbia, 55-46.
Langford led the Mustangs (3-2) with 19 points and his ball handling and leadership down the stretch made the difference in the win.
"Coach always pushes us and teaches us in practice to stay focused especially in the fourth quarter. That's what I was telling my guys", said Langford. "That is what our coaches were preaching to us and we just went out and did it."
Josh Langford (23) shoots over Columbia players. (Lashaunda Mays / AL.com)
The Mustangs got off to a tremendous start outscoring Columbia 22-10 in the first quarter. Quan Cothron was red- hot from three point range hitting 4 of 5 and scoring 15 points to help lead Madison Academy to a 33-19 lead at the half.
The Eagles came out and played great defense in the third quarter holding the Mustangs to only five points and cutting the lead to 38-30.
Gerrod Abram helped Columbia (4-4) push the Mustangs in the fourth quarter with two big three pointers, closing the gap to 50-43 with 0:49 left.
In the end Langford was just too good, driving to the basket and drawing fouls on the Eagles. Langford made 8 of 11 free throws in the fourth quarter to help close the game out.
Abram led all scorers with 22 points.
Mustang head coach Andy Blackston was pleased with win over a good Columbia team. "I thought we had great energy in the first quarter and we really came out and executed our game plan and scouting report which is a big thing for us", said Blackston.
"I thought Quan was the difference in the first half scoring 15 big points, but at the end of the day everybody did their job. I think we may have caught them on a bad night. They are a really good team and this is a big win for us."
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