Florence Falcons Boys Basketball vs. Russellville 01/21/26

[0:00] It's time for Florence Falcons basketball on sports radio 93.9 The Score. Florence Falcons basketball on 93.9 The Score is brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Johnson, Pasture, Medley and Birchall, Lost Pizza, North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Bank Independent, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range and Hinegar Johnson and Layton Insurance. Now let's go live to courtside. Here's the voice of the Falcons, Kevin Johnson. And good evening on this cold winter's night here in Russellville, Alabama, where the Florence Falcons are getting ready to tangle with the Golden Tigers of Russellville High School. And we're looking forward to this one's going to be a good matchup. The Lady Falcons just knocked off Russellville just earlier.

Pretty big win by the Lady Falcons to really get it going the right direction. Joined now by the head coach of the Florence Falcons boys team, Coach Dylan Burleson here courtside at Russellville High School. Coach, a great game opportunity tonight for your team to come back and play this week, especially against the Russellville team. It's a good team. It's a really good team. You know, we're on the road tonight. You know, they have been playing better basketball as of late. And so we need to come assert our dominance. We need to come play with our standard as far as like what we're trying to play to. And we need to get back to playing our style.

And playing your style. That's a big thing. I'm sure you talked about it all weekend long with your team. Just being who you are. That's a big part of identity, isn't it? It's a huge part. And I thought Friday night was anything but that. I think our message has been sent. I believe our message has been received. We're excited to get out here and continue on and continue what we need to do to get better. Coach, best of luck, okay? Appreciate it. The head coach of the Florence Falcons. You're listening to the TNT Fireworks pregame show. Florence Falcons basketball back in two minutes.

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Come out and see us in Underwood, Petersville, or on the web at CypressCreekRange.com. Mention this ad on 93.9 The Score, and your first lane rental is free. Welcome back to TNT Fireworks' pregame show of Florence Falcons basketball. Kevin Johnson flying solo tonight on the road as the Falcons put on the black uniforms and they take on the Golden Tigers of Russellville High School, who's coached by Patrick Odom, a good friend of mine, who for years was the head coach at Schultz Christian and ended up here at Russellville and has done a fabulous job at Russellville and just a great guy.

One of the good guys in coaching, and he and Coach Dylan Burleson standing in front of me actually right now having a conversation. It's rare you see two head coaches just come and just sort of smile and laugh. They're going to compete. They're going to get after it, but the respect from both these coaches says a lot. Good crowd on hand here at this great facility Russellville has. It's on their middle school campus as well, much like Florence's. Jim here, and it's a wonderful facility. And again, thank you to the administration here at Russellville High School for taking care of me and helping me out tonight for this broadcast, and we'll be with you tonight.

Don't forget, also, our next broadcast will be Thursday night. That game moved up because of Mother Nature coming to town. The winter weather headed this way, so we're looking forward to that. Obviously, the snow and ice are coming, hoping to know ice and snow, so we'll move that game up Thursday night at Austin. We'll have it here for you on 93.9, the score Thursday night at 7.30 p.m. Russellville has had a tough time this year. They have been a team that has won five straight areas in Class 5A, Area 15.

[5:27] But right now in the three-team region, they are a three-team area. They're on the back side of that. However, they still have a lot of great players, including Sir Williams, who can really fill it up. He's a tremendous player. Meanwhile, Florence right now is struggling. As you heard Dylan Berlton say, not a performance. He was pleased with his team the other night on the road at Bob Jones. They'd had a great week, knocked off James Clemens, a top-ten team, an area team in Class 7A that Florence faces, and then took Sparkman, a number five, our sixth-ranked team in the state, to overtime before losing.

So it felt like the team had turned the corner, but then went to Bob Jones and did not play well at all. So let's just say this weekend there were a couple of practices where the doors were locked and the coaches and the players had a nice little time together. Sometimes you have to do that. So it'll be interesting to see how these teams, this team response night for the Florence Falcons. They've been energetic in warm-ups. Each of them come by and said hello to me.

So they seemed focused. They seemed into it. And we'll see how they do tonight. These two teams playing over the years, it's always a good battle. It's good to see these two teams have it in basketball. I'd like to see it, maybe even other sports, wouldn't see, but two schools that know each other well. And the tradition of Russellville over the years in high school basketball is, well, just amazing. And we'll have it at halftime. Our athletic director at Florence High School, Byron Graham, is our halftime guest.

He could probably fill you in better than I could on the Russellville legacy. But the Falcons play tonight a non-region game, and it's a good game to maybe get their feet back under them and get going in the right direction. So we're looking forward to this one. Both teams warming up. We'll have starting lineups when we come back. This is the TNT Fireworks pregame show, Florence Falcon Basketball, back in two minutes. This is Miranda Haddock with the Florence Education Foundation. We invite you to support our Friends of the Foundation campaign.

As a friend of the Foundation, you can contribute any amount to help fund classroom needs in Florence City schools. Please visit our website at FlorenceEducationFoundation.org to explore our new giving levels and the added perks available. We want to wish Coach Burleson and the entire Falcon Basketball team good luck this season. Getting the kids to practice on time. Remembering if it's your day to bring snacks. Making it to the game with a clean jersey. Why are simple things sometimes so complicated? Thankfully, with auto owners, insurance doesn't have to be one of them.

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We are proud to be a sponsor of Florence High School Athletics. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Welcome back to TNT Fireworks' pre-game show of Florence Falcon basketball comes to a close. Let's get the starting lineups tonight for the Florence Falcons. And Dylan Burleson is shaking it up a little bit tonight. Going to start a couple of new guys. Going to have to check on all that and see who the starting lineup will be.

We'll get Russell's starting lineup as well. Tripp Cleveland will get the start. He runs right at six foot tall. Alakai Gross will get the start. Sir Williams will get the start. Daniel Aycock and the head coach's son, Parker Odom, will start the senior at the post. He wears number 15. So Cleveland, Gross, Williams, Aycock, and Odom will get the start for the Golden Tigers. And the Falcons with a new starting lineup. Jayshod Pearson will still be at the point. And Jayceon Payne will be the shooting guard.

He'll be joined out there by J.D. and Lewis at the post player. And Bo Burski, who will jump center, will be out there as well. And Cooper Fulmer will get the start. So Dylan Burleson shaking up the dice, saying let's go a little different direction. Got his team's attention like the young coach. Falcons wearing black, going left to right. And Golden Tigers in white with black numbers and gold trim going right to left. And the Golden Tigers control the tip. And we're underway late night here in Russellville, Alabama.

[10:54] Sir Williams goes baseline, got a step, put it in. Williams is really quick and can fill it up. He gets the first basket of the day. Fulmer for Florence. Baseline, cutoff there. Back out to Jayceon. Payne, three, short, no good. Rebound taken down there by Cleveland. Cleveland wants to push for the Golden Tigers. Goes to the right side. Baseline, jumper too strong. Rebound over the rim and went to Aycock. Aycock kicks it back to Williams. And now Gross for 15, no good. Rebound taken by Florence is Jayceon Payne.

Payne comes back to the right side to Pearson. He'll try the three. He'll miss that one. In and out. Rebound tipped around. Taken by Gross, but stolen away by Burski. Stolen back. Ball scramble four on the floor. Finally picked up by the Golden Tigers. Aycock will save it. 2-0. The Golden Tigers lead it. Seven-minute mark, first quarter. Falcons in a man-to-man defense against the motion offense. Gross got a step in the lane. Goes up, laid it up, and he's fouled. Payne came to help. Got him on the arm.

Now check that Burski, they're going to say, got on the swipe from behind. His first. Free throw's coming. Malachi Gross knocks down the first. 6.57 to go. Gross, it goes about 6-2. Not even 6-3. Gets both free throws. And the Golden Tigers open up a 4-0 lead to start this one. Payne to Pearson for Florence on the right wing. Looking for Lewis. Couldn't get it. Gets a 2-3 zone. Now Pearson for 3. That one won't go short. Tipped up by Fulmer. It wouldn't go. Ball still on the floor.

That was actually Burski who tipped it, but it wouldn't go. And now turnover as Burski forced Cleveland to the sideline. And Cleveland stepped on the sideline. Turnover against Russell. So the Falcons will inbound it in the corner. Falcons running their offense here. Trying to get it up top to Payne. Dillon Burlsen calling the signal. Got it to Pearson. Kicked it in the corner. Fulmer's three on the way. That one won't go. So the Falcons cold early on. In and out. Rebound taken by the boys in white and gold and black.

The Golden Tigers of Russellville who lead it 4-0. And they turn it over on the other end. Falcons forcing the turnover. Good crowd here in Russellville. Florence had a good crowd to travel tonight as well. Obviously, everybody's eyes on the weather in the weekend. We'll talk about that later as well. Pearson against the 2-3 zone. Matchup zone gets it to Fulmer. Back to Pearson in the wing. Now to Payne in the corner. Couldn't get the shot off. Ball moves quickly. Ball popping. Payne from the wing.

Three. That one goes. And Jaceon drains the first basket of the day. And Florence cuts the lead to 4-3. Now, it's great ball movement. The ball was popping from one side to the other. And that's why Payne got the open look. The lefty knocked it down. Williams couldn't get a shot off. Gets it to Odom outside the wing. They run the motion cut. Back cut inside to Williams. Turn around. Great defense by Fulmer. But a rebound by Odom. And Odom is going to go to the line to shoot two.

Odom sneaked in behind Pearson and got the rebound. Jace shot. Had to give up the foul. He tapped himself and said, that's on me. So, with 5.46 to go and a 4-3 lead. Parker Odom to shoot two. First one's good. I'm not old. I just knew him when he was real young. And I was real young. It's hard to believe he's a senior. His dad and I have been friends for years. He's the head coach here now. Missed the second free. So, Williams got the rebound. Spins got away with a walk.

But he's going to call a foul. And they count the basket. So, Williams gets the continuation. On the rebound. He really just spun into two Falcons. I believe that's on, again, on Burst. He missed the free throw, though. 7-3. The Golden Tigers with the lead. Pearson quickly up the floor. Back to Payne. He'll try another three. That one won't go. Just me. It's ball on the floor. Scramble for it. Scooped up by Odom of Russellville. Cleveland will bring it up the floor. Trip Cleveland runs the point.

He's about 6-1. Running the point. So, Williams up top. Picked up by Payne. Gets rid of it to Cleveland. Cleveland will try the three. That's good. And the Golden Tigers comfortable at home. Lead it by 7. Fulmore. He'll try to answer and doesn't. Missed it. Back rim. Rebound by Williams. Sir Williams with it. To the wing. Aycock drives in the paint. Got back out to Cleveland. He hit a three earlier. Doesn't take it. Now he will take it. He'll make another one. Timeout on the floor. Taken by the Falcons.

As the Golden Tigers have gotten hot. They lead it 13-3. Falcon Basketball back in 30 seconds. Irons Electric has been family owned and operated for 65 years. Irons Electric is deeply rooted in the Florence High School tradition and is happy to be a part of many past projects, including the recently completed new band room. Irons Electric Company was voted the number one electrical contractor in 2023. Our professional team on staff and master electricians provide the expertise to make sure your project is installed per code to operate safely and flawlessly.

[16:22] From small residential jobs to large commercial projects, call Irons Electric at 256-766-3870. You won't be shocked by their reputation. 4.51 to go in this one in the first quarter. And Russell has come out and got really hot shooting at home. They lead it 13-3 and they extend that 2-3 zone matching up now. Payne with the wing. Three. Good. Jayshon needed out. Excuse me. He has all six points with the Falcons. He's trailed at 13-6 with four and a half to go here in the first. Cleveland got by Bursky, got a step, laid it up, wouldn't go.

Rebound taken down by Lewis. Gets rid of it, but nobody looked for it. Williams steals the way, comes back the other way. Euro in the layup. That should be on the floor. Count the basket. So it's 15-6 now. So Williams has got the continuation going tonight. He'll try the free throw and make it. He has seven points and a 10-point lead for the Golden Tigers over Florence. Lewis to Payne. Back to Lewis. Good give and go. Laid it up, no good, but he's fouled. He'll shoot free throws.

So Lewis will shoot two. Javion played sparingly through the year. Get the start tonight. The senior missed the first. Cage, Roy will check into the game. Ashville and Zy Burnett. So Burnett and Roy will come in for Burski. And Fulmer. Second free throw. Missed both of them. Roy tipped the rebound around. Got it. Roy kicked it back out. Three on the way. No good. Rebound chased down. That's actually Fulmer. He chased it down and knocked it out of bounds. And now Lewis will be replaced by Kevante Green.

So it'll be Green, Payne, Fulmer, Roy, and Burnett on the floor for Florence. And Falcons are going to pick up full court, trailing 16-6, four minutes into this one here in the first quarter. Tigers break the press. Gross got away with a travel. Odom for three. And they finally missed one. Rebound by Florence is Fulmer. Good for Fulmer doing a pretty good job here in the first four minutes. Payne in the corner. Found it for Burnett. His three on the way. Short. No good. Rebound. Out of bounds.

Last touch by the Golden Tigers. So Florence, other than Pearson, has nobody else to score in the first four and a half minutes. They get in the bounce now to Roy. Roy all the way around to Payne. Back to Roy. He's open at the wing. Drives the free throw. Back to Payne. Payne will drive. Got a step. Put it up. And he's fouled. There go the line. Shoot two. One way to get baskets going is go and attack. And against this two-three zone, Florence finally attacks.

And free throw is coming. Jason Yon will shoot two. The lefties first is good. Second free throw coming. And wouldn't go. Rebound. Burnett tried to fight for it, but Williams got the battle and won it for Russell. Williams will bring it up to the right sideline. And they double him there. He throws it in the corner and knocked out of bounds by Green, who volleyballs it about eight rows up and clears out a lane of moms up there. Fulmer will come out. Jones will come in.

16-7. Florence trails it with 3.25 to go. So Dylan Burleson trying to shake up the lineup a little bit tonight. But Russell had a quick start and lead it by nine. Gross double teamed up top, dribbles out of it, got it in the corner to Aycock for three, and he makes it. Falcons quickly down the floor and Green answers on the other end. So Kavante gets his first basket. 19-9, though. The Golden Tigers with a lead. They've hit three threes here in the first four minutes or five minutes.

Gross to Odom up top. They run their motion offense. Everybody outside the three-point arc. And cutters going in and out. Williams got a lane. Put it up, and he made it, and he's fouled again. That's his third and one of the first quarter. That one was not a continuation. That was a truth and one. He's shooting for double figures here. And coming to the game will be Skipworth. Payne will come out. Free throw by Williams. Got it. He's got 10 in the first quarter. And the Golden Tigers lead at 22-9.

[21:48] Burnett, hard of the basket. Contact, no call. Missed it. In and out. Rebound by Farns. Put it up. Put it in. Burnett makes that one if he followed his shot. Press coming. Ball picked up by Williams in backcourt. 22-11. 11-point lead for the Golden Tigers. Williams hard of the basket. They're going to call a foul. That's the 16th foul on Florence. Williams has had some big nights for Russell. Free throw, rolls it in. These rims have been very soft. I thought a shooter's rim on both sides.

I commented that during the girls game that Florence won. But for the Florence Falcons in the first quarter, that rim is not being kind of them. Second free throw is good as Williams made the free throw. 24-11. It's that 2-3 zone defense. Skip Worth has it to Burnett outside the three-point arc. Burnett, top of the key, will take the three. That one's off. No good. Missed it badly. But Jones fights for the rebound and pulls it back out. In the corner. Royce, three. That one won't go.

Lewis got the rebound for Florence. Lost the ball out of bounds to go back to Russell. Fulmer will come in for Burnett with 1.59 to go. And down 24-11. And Dylan Burleson just looking for something to work right now from his team. Full-court press, man-to-man. Bounce pass in. It's stolen away by Skip Worth. Skip Worth threw it right away, though. It was going inside for Roy unselfishly. But the guy that threw it in bounds stepped right into the line of the passing lane and stole it away for Russell.

Been that top of the quarter here. Everything falling for Russell. Duncan trying to drive. Can't get it. Now they got it to Williams and a travel finally called. 24-11. Didn't see that coming here in the first quarter. The Falcons had a tough night the other night. Dylan Burleson really thought his team would respond well. But so far, a little shell shock here in the first quarter. And haven't shot it well against the zone. Fulmer. Baseline. Can't get the shot off. Swings it back around. Down to Jones.

Swings it to the other side. Roy into the lane. He's called for steps. And that's the right call. He spun around. Spun back in. There's the press for Florence. Williams in back court. With 119 and counting. The Golden Tigers up 24-11. Florence tries to double. Williams drives by. Foul called. He'll go to the free throw line to shoot his fifth and sixth free throws of the first quarter. Williams' first free throw is good. He ought to feel pretty good about it. He's been there a lot. 13 of the Golden Tigers' 25 points are from Sir Williams.

And he's outscored a Falcons 13-11 himself. Pearson checks back in for Florence. Second free throw is good. A 14-point quarter for Williams. Falcons against the 2-3 zone. In the corner. Good drive baseline. Kicked it back out to Jones. Swinging around. Deep three by Skipworth. That was in and out. No good. Rebound knocked out of bounds. Last touch by Florence. 58 seconds to go. And Russell up 26-11. Inbounds comes to Cleveland. Cleveland dribbled and lost it off his leg. Ball scramble forward. Good hustle there by Florence on the floor and taken away.

Skipworth got it to Jones. Jones drives hard to the basket. Can't get it, though. Kicked it back out. Good recovery by the Golden Tigers. 43 seconds to go. Pearson in the lane. Kicked it now. Lost it out of bounds. Unforced turn over. Goes back to Russell. Payne will come in with 38 seconds to go. And the Falcons are going to have to scramble to get back in this one already. And throw it into Williams. Who goes up high and catches it. He handles it well. Comes to the left side.

Lobbed inside. To Aycock, but he's out of bounds. That's good defense by Florence there. Jones and Payne. So, Florence will have it and push it up the floor. They get it down the floor. Pretty good move there. And Roy is fouled. Playing a little bit of international rules tonight. International basketball rules. That basketball on the late night on the Chiefs night, it ain't going to sit up there. We're going to get that ball inbounds quick on both ends. 26-11 with 25.8 on the clock. Cage Roy will go to the line to shoot two for Florence.

[26:51] Desperately needing to cut into this lead a little bit. Russell hits the first. Roy is just the third Falcon to score. Kevante Green has two. I'll take that four. Burnett has two. Seven for Payne. And one point now for Roy as he missed the second free throw. 26-12. Williams, backcourt. Double team. Gets by one. Gets by two. Gets by three. Kicks in the corner. Aycock got away with the travel. Gross has it up top. They swing the ball around. Duncan, they're trying to chase him inside.

Ball is fouled. Going to be inside. And with seven seconds to go, Odom is going to the line to shoot two. Pearson, on the hold. So Florence was chasing and chasing and chasing, trying to double. And Pearson just picked up in second. Odom's free throw is good. Second free throw coming. And he got them both to roll in. 28 points first quarter. Florence will have the last shot. Pearson has it with forward. Don't know if he knows the clock. Payne does. And he'll fire it for three.

No good. Tip tried to be by Roy. No good. And that's it. It's all Golden Tigers. Florence on the road and in deep trouble early. Trailing 28-12. Falcon basketball back in a minute. Florence Utilities offers several ways to view and pay your utility bill. Log into your account to sign up for paperless, auto pay, text pay to make your life easier. When you go green and go paperless, you will no longer have paper bills to fill up your mailbox and you'll be helping the environment. To continue receiving a paper bill and an electronic bill notification, sign up for text pay.

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Wouldn't go, but Payne got the rebound. Inside now, they go to Green, put it up, put it in. Kevontae got it in the paint, got it to go, and that's something Falcons need. Cut it to 28-14. It's going to be one on the defensive end if Florence is going to do it. They're going to have to buckle up and play some D. Duncan to Williams. He has been a handful. Gets it back out to Gross. In the corner now. It's throwing it to Acock. Gross way up top.

Gets it to Odom. Odom way up top now to Acock. Acock dribbling with the basketball. Very patient. Picks up the dribble. Now he's in trouble, but he gets rid of it. They come to the basketball and help him when he got trapped. Duncan goes inside to Odom. Put it up. Put it in. Green went for the steal. Odom used his body to shield it. And they run off about a minute of the clock and get a basket. Pearson. Hand check on the side. Couldn't get rid of it now.

And has to cross court it over to Jones. Jones. Back inside to Green. On the box. Turn around. Put it up. Got it to go. Kevante starting to make some shots on the inside. Because Florence has been ice cold from the outside. No pun intended in this day and age. But we live in this month and this week. Gross. Spins in the lane. Picks up his dribble. Looking for Williams. Trying to get it to him. Ball knocked away. Stole away. Good defense by Roy. Pearson has it.

Pearson threw traffic. Goes through the layup. Missed it. No good. Green saved a rebound in. But he was out of bounds. Pearson did everything right. But he got caught in the land of trees. And he had no one coming to help him on either side. He was faster than everybody else. Give Russell credit. They got back on defense. Florence now will try to turn a turnover and force a timeout. Will do the same. Florence down by 14 here. Early second quarter. We're back after this 30-second timeout.

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And give Russell credit. They've handled the pressure early on. Falcons picked it up a little bit. Now they get it to Williams. He's a handful with it. Nearly lost it. Falcons double, triple teaming. Didn't matter. Put it up and just barely missed it. Rebound taken by Florence. He is something else. Burnett will bring it up the floor. Zye gets it to the corner to Pearson. Cross court now, top of the key. That's going to be ping for three. No good tip. No good. Burnett had it taken away when he brought it down.

Zye probably could have dunked that one, but didn't realize it. When he brought it down, it was taken away by Duncan. He spins. Gets rid of it to Aycock. Guarded there by Fulmer. Florence. He goes up, put up a shot, and he's going to go to the free throw line because he's going to draw contact. Cage Roy gets the foul. I'm not sure the team foul differential, but it's pretty extensive right now. First free throw is no good. Jones will come in. The Golden Tigers attempted 11 free throws in the first quarter alone to just three for Florence.

Second free throw. Missed this one. So that's their 12th and 13th free throw, but he missed them both. Falcons need to chip away here. Fulmer lost it dribbling down, and they call traveling. Too fast for the action there. Wanted to go too quick. Florence will pick up full court. To Duncan in back court. To Cleveland, who will bring it up the floor. Cleveland pulls up from 15 and missed everything. Rebound by Florence. They get it down the floor. Go up to Burnett with the left hand. He can't get the layup to go.

And finally a whistle and a foul. And they're going to call on Florence. Wow. That's on Jones. So Jones got the foul call to him. I mean, I'm not sure about that one, as Dylan Burleson is either. Cleveland will bring it up the floor. Cleveland. Top of the key. Gets it to Gross. Now got it to Aycock at the free throw line. Spins. Put up a wild shot. No good. Rebound by Florence is Fulmer. Payne pushes up the floor. Got it to Jones. Jones down. Cut back to Payne for three in the corner.

Got it. Finally, something to follow there. First basket here in the second quarter at the 450 mark. Florence trails at 30 to 19. I say actually the first three. Down by 11. Cleveland got a step. Put it up. Missed it too strong. Rebound tipped around. Taken by Florence and Skipworth. Wants to push it. Got it to Payne. Payne was hit. No call. Payne, your old step. Fouled again. And they say it went off Florence's Payne. Hey, everything's going to fall on us. So, they're going to give the ball back to Florence now.

So, I think they are. The official said I pointed the wrong direction. Still, 11-point lead for Russell. Florence with the basketball. Skipworth got a step. Laid it up. Put it in. Tamari and Skipworth with an aggressive move. And the Falcons have cut it to single digits. Gross up the floor. Stabling away by the freshman, Burnett. Burnett gets by one. Burnett dribbles out. And it said it went off Burnett's leg. It goes back to Russell. The freshman will have glimpses of greatness. And also, he'll have glimpses of being a freshman.

That's okay. You live with it. He is going to be – the ceiling is going to be high for him. Falcons pick up full court. Williams gets in back court with Payne on him. Crossover drill. Good double team. He crosses it down to Odom. Odom drives. Put up a shot. And it's no good. Rebound by Aycock who put it up. Put it in. 32-21. Burnett. Deep three on the way. Went and go. Rebound by Green. Green goes higher to the basket. Put it up. And it goes in.

[37:11] Kevante with six in the quarter. Eight on the day. And Florence has trimmed the lead to nine. Williams, who is as fast as can be, goes down the sideline. Double team. Gets rid of it to Cleveland up top. 3.40 to go here in the first half. Florence has trimmed a large lead down to nine. Ball poked away. Ball still on the floor. It finally went out of bounds. The Florence player right in front of me had been impeded by a Russell player. And they just said, oh, it went out of bounds.

They backcourt it. And that went out of bounds. That should be Florence's basketball. But no, it'll be Russell's basketball. Went off his leg. Excuse me. It was Skipworth who poked it out of bounds. Golden Tigers inbound it. Falcons pick a full court. Cleveland brings it up the floor with Green on him. Crossover dribble. Got a step. Crossover down. Got it to Odom. Laid it up. Put it in. Falcons attack. But Russell broke the press and attacked back. Skipworth in the corner to Green. Green trying to back his way down.

Goes hard to the basket with the left hand. Missed it. Rebound tipped around. Taken there by Skipworth. Back to Green. He put it in. Florence much more active inside. Much more active on the defensive end. Williams, though, on a breakout. Williams, zero-step. Layup block from behind. And two free throws coming. Green got him. They sit on the arm. Nine-point lead. And Williams will be shooting free throws again. First one good. Berski will come in to give Green a breather. 15 of the 35 come from Williams. Now he has 16 here in the first half with 2.56 to go.

Falcons with the basketball. Ball poked away by Williams. He stole it away. Williams on a run out. Euro step. Layup. Missed it. Rebound taken by Jones. That's great defense by Pearson. Pearson cut it off and got the basketball. Up the floor. He gets it now. Back to Pearson. Three on the way. Wouldn't go. Man, he had a good look at that. Rebound chased down by Florence. Much more active. Skipworth got it inside. Put up and in. That's going to be Roy. Roy gets the basket. Lead back down to nine.

Florence trying to whittle away at this lead. Williams in the corner for Russell. He's been outstanding. Cleveland guarded by Berski. Gets it to Haycock. You can sense the momentum has switched a little bit to Florence as they've trimmed what was a 16-point lead down to nine. But that three-pointer no good for Russell. Rebound taken by the Falcons. Here comes Pearson with it. Looks at the traffic. No look pass. Got it to Berski. Berski no look pass. The other way. Got it to Jones. Crossed back and over.

Pearson deep three on the way. Ooh, it wouldn't go. Roy tipped for the rebound. Berski tipped the rebound. But it goes down to Cleveland. Cleveland down the sideline. And they're going to call a foul on Berski. That'll be the fifth foul. Fourth team foul. Finally they get in. It's Russell. 36-27 with 150 to go. Gross. Right wing with it. Berski cuts him off and has him down. Cleveland gets it back. Cleveland back to Gross. Gross hard to the basket. Put it up. Missed it. Rebound by Berski.

Good defense there by Bo Berski. Here comes Falcons with it. Payne found a lane. Payne to the step. Blocked by Odom. That was a right call. Odom did a good job. And Falcons fouling backcourt out of frustration there. Berski picked up the foul. With 1.24 to go. The fifth team foul on Florence in the quarter. 36-27 and Cleveland will shoot two. Missed that one. No good. Second free throw coming from Cleveland. Missed them both. Good box out there by Florence. Burnett will bring it up to the floor.

Burnett got a step in the lane. Kicked it back in the corner. Good pass. Three on the way. Wouldn't go. Florence just can't hit many threes. But Florence getting second chances now. Payne for three. He won't go. Rebound tipped around. Out of bounds. Last touch by Florence. Russell will get the foul here in the second quarter with 1.07 to go. Lead at 36-27. Tate Jones will come in for Pearson. Pearson, Fulmer, Payne, Burnett, and Roy on the floor for Florence. Duncan has it in back court. Patrick Godem has got his team playing well here in the first half for Russell.

[42:43] 57 seconds to go. Cleveland crossover dribble into the lane. Put up a shot. Blocked there by Burnett. I'm not sure it went out of bounds. I guess it went to the baseline. It'll stay with Russell. Inside the Cleveland, laid it in. Went to sleep on that one. That one will not be set well with the Florence coaches out there. 11-point lead. Burnett in the lane. He's fouled. He can't make the shot, but he'll go to the line and shoot two. Odom will pick up the foul with 40 seconds to go.

The Falcons will shoot their first free throws of the second quarter. The freshman, Zy Burnett, a lefty, puts it up, puts it in. Falcons wearing the road black uniforms, trimmed in blue and white. Russell and all white, trimmed in white numbers, trimmed in gold. 38-28. Free throw, no good. Tipped around, though. Rebound taken by Florence, but Block, Roy, just flipped it up there. And now the Golden Tigers saved by Aycock. What a catch by Aycock in the corner. Gets it to Odom, goes inside, and he threw it away.

Florence has to steal. Former, though, throws it down the floor. Got it to Burnett. He's got to step. Put it up. Put it in. Cut the lead to eight. The closest Florence has been forever. During the first half, Williams trapped in backcourt. Lost it. Goes back to Florence with 14 seconds. This Falcon team, second quarter came to life a little bit. They're like, okay, we know we're better than this. Burnett to inbound. Robs it up to Payne. Payne to Fulmer. Fulmer back to Payne. It gets the 2-3 zone.

On the wing, a three on the way. Short, no good. Tip, no good. Fulmer got the rebound. Put it up. Won't go again. Rebound tipped around. Still taken there. Jones got it to Payne. He'll 5-3 at the buzzer. It will not go. Oh, it's shoot on the other end of the second half. That first half, that ball would not go in the rim. But the Falcons have cut it to 8, trailing by 8, 38-30. This is Falcon basketball. We're back in one minute. Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

Yeah, this isn't that. I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot. I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking, and have a positive balance. That's it. A 20% scholarship to UNA. When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the future of our community. Bank independent. We're invested in your future. Member FDIC. With locations in Tuscumbia, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Russell, Killen, Madison, and Athens, Singing River Dentistry provides the most advanced dental care, including same-day crowns and implants, in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere.

They excel in educating their patients and themselves about the benefits of keeping a healthy small for a lifetime. The care of their patients is the center of their practice. They value their patients' time, trust, and total health. For more information about their practice or to request an appointment, go to SingingRiverDentistry.com. Join now here, courtside for the Halftime TNT Fireworks Halftime Show. Kevin Johnson joined now by the AD, the Athletic Director of Florence High School, Coach Byron Graham. Coach, welcome back to Russellville. You know this place quite well, don't you?

Just a little bit. Just a little bit. What years were you here, may I ask? Ninety-one through ninety-three. I got you beating about five or six years there. This place is legendary for basketball. Talk about what, you know, we obviously love our Florence Falcons, but you and I grew up around Russellville and Carbett County and all those schools. There's some incredible players here for years. I just remember going to the games, man, and watching guys like Wayne Sears, Deshawn Reynolds, and Frederick Mosley, you know, who's recovering right now in the hospital.

Hope he gets well. Chandler Pruitt, Cedric Goldson, guys to play with me, my good friend Shane James, Brian James' dad. I mean, they were all good players, man. Joey Masterson. Joey Masterson, yes, yes. Football, basketball guy right there for sure. How about a 6'3", 220-pound tailback he was. Exactly. That was not fair. Came from an athletic family. I'll go back a little further. I remember the Bonds and the Braggles. Yeah. I mean, the killer bees. The Braggles played with my brother James Graham, yes. Man, and they were amazing players.

Of course, you've got to throw in there. Luther Tiggs, too, was a tremendous point guard. He wasn't too bad either. No, he wasn't too bad. I've got so many stories over the years. Of course, they won the state championship with Billy Witt and Luther Tiggs. And this is the new gym at Russellville, but they used to play in the old gym, as we call it now. Yes, yes. And if you got there late, you didn't get a seat. You didn't get in, especially when they was playing Carbett County.

[47:48] Oh, man. I mean, good luck getting in. They built this gym. I was a second class that got to go to the sixth grade in this gym. Really? That's how far they were ahead of time. I think it was one of the few gyms around the area that had upstairs in it besides flowers all. So, it was a major, major architect improvement. If you walked into this gym, you'd probably say it's a four- or five-year gym. When you look at it, it's very impressive. They've done a great job.

They were ahead of the curve with the design. And they've done a great job of taking care of their facilities. So, that's what makes things last. Coach, Byron Graham, the athletic director here at Florence High School. We've been talking about his alma mater where he grew up at Russell High School. Let's talk about our Florence Falcons. And one of the things is that a lot of sports going on, but basketball is starting to come to tournament time. You know, it's a tournament game in basketball. It's a tournament sport.

It's different how you approach it, isn't it? Well, you want to be good in January. And that's the thing. And we started off, we peaked pretty good early. Well, not peaked, but started off doing pretty good in January. Of course, had a game that we didn't play very well the other night against Bob Jones. And it looks like we've got a little bit of that carrying over. But, you know, to be honest, you want to polish things up this game and get ready to play Austin.

Yeah, and that's the key, too. And let's bring up that Austin game, move to a Thursday night as an athletic director. There's a lot of moving parts when weather starts happening. It's a lot. I mean, because if it's not your home game, you've got to play fair. Yeah. You know, if it's your home game, you've got a little more flexibility. But if it's not your home game, you know, they kind of get the right to say what they want it to be. And then you've got the sign of accommodations.

But Austin was great today working with us. Our principal, Dr. Westbrook, was in talking to Mr. Garth. We got Mr. Hopkins involved, let him know everything, superintendent's level. And Dylan did a great job of communicating with the coaches. And I was talking to the ADs. So there was no way we would have to get off different pages. Speaking of our great basketball teams with Byron Graham here, the athletic director, how about also the girls team? A tremendous team that continues to improve. Early on with some injuries, some plays, but they're really starting to find their peak right now.

Right. And one of their better shooters still hasn't played. Yeah. And so, I mean, Coach Woods has done a fantastic job. They play so hard. They don't have a big person. I mean, they're just scrappy. And, you know, they get after you the whole game. And then after that, you look up at the scoreboard, you're like, man, they beat them. So, I mean, I think they won. Before that, Bob Jones lost. They had won nine out of 11. Yeah. So, then they come back tonight. So, I mean, that's 10 out of what, 12?

10 out of 12. Yeah. Yep. You know, Coach, as I'll let you go here in a second, I want to ask you, obviously, this coming week, we'll be starting to find out possibly about classifications, reclassifications. And usually, athletic directors and coaches sort of have the insights that I always know. It's unknown this time, isn't it? It is. It is. And I would hate to work for the Athletic Association right now because either decision that they make, they're going to be the bad guys. So, you know, praying for God's wisdom with them when they make those decisions.

But, you know, at the end of the day, it's just a thing to where, you know, where we sit numbers-wise, it still will probably end up with us being the smallest seven or the largest six. Yeah. And that's just kind of where our numbers fall in that grand scheme of things. Sort of like that sleet snow. We're right on the line, aren't we? We don't know what it's going to be. Always. Always on the line. Coach, listen, best of luck. I know you've got a lot of things going on.

We'll get you back on the air again, talking about spring sports as well. But thank you for being our halftime guest. Thank you for having me all the time. The Athletic Director of Florence High School, Coach Byron Graham. We're at the half on the TNT Fireworks Halftime Show. For Florence, trails Russell 38-30. We're back in two minutes. Hey, Falcon fans. This is Keith at Cypress Creek Indoor Range. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, we prepare you to provide your own safety. Cypress Creek Indoor Range team provides you with the knowledge and the right equipment to defend yourself and family.

And our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range gives you the perfect place to practice. You can take your skills to the next level through our extensive training classes or private lessons. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, your safety is our number one priority. 5060 Highway 157 or on the web at cypresscreekrange.com. This is Miranda Haddock with the Florence Education Foundation. We invite you to support our Friends of the Foundation campaign. As a Friend of the Foundation, you can contribute any amount to help fund classroom needs in Florence City schools.

Please visit our website at FlorenceEducationFoundation.org to explore our new giving levels and the added perks available. We want to wish Coach Burleson and the entire Falcon basketball team good luck this season. Getting the kids to practice on time. Remembering if it's your day to bring snacks. Making it to the game with a clean jersey. Why are simple things sometimes so complicated? Thankfully, with auto owners, insurance doesn't have to be one of them. Auto owners works with independent agents who answer when you call. So you can worry about more important things.

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[53:05] Learn more at nabjc.com. Welcome back to the TNT Fileworks Halftime Show where Florence has battled back after not really looking good in the first quarter. They trailed at the end of one, 28-12. Russellville couldn't miss and Florence couldn't make. That's the best way to put it. But in the second quarter, Florence outscored the Golden Tigers and have cut the lead to 38-30. Let's get some scoring updates. For Russellville, it was all Sir Williams. Williams had 13, 14 points in the first quarter. But he only had two free throws in the second quarter.

So Florence shut him down in the second quarter. Tripp Cleveland had eight, two for Gross and five, seven, excuse me, for Odom to lead the Tigers to their 38 points. Florence was ice cold in the first quarter. Only had 12 points. They're led in scoring by Jason Payne with 10 points. Two for Tamari and Skipper, three for Cage Roy and five for Zai Burnett. And also 10 also to join Jason Payne is Kevante Green. So Florence has cut the lead in half down to 38-30. I'm sure Dylan Burleson is having a talk with the team.

As a matter of fact, we're 50 seconds away and he hasn't got the team out here yet. Trust me, I know the young coach, he likes to preach when he has to or can preach when he has to. And right now I think his sermon is being delivered to his team. And he'll have them ready here in just a few seconds. While we've got a moment, we want to say also, please be careful out there this weekend with the impending weather coming. The potential winter weather we're looking at could be really severe.

So be careful out there. But also we want to say thank you to our first responders and our electricians and all those who work in the electric department and everybody like that that's out there in this weather. We know who you are. We appreciate you. And we're thinking about you as well. Florence trails 38-30. They will have to play defensively start quarter number three as the Golden Tigers will have it. Golden Tigers will put Cleveland and Gross and Odom and Aycock and Williams out there. And why not?

The Falcons will come back with a lineup of Burnett, Jones, Roy, Payne, and Pearson. So Florence down by eight. And let's see what the Falcons do here. You can't win it with one play, but you've got to play tough defense consistently. Williams tries to go baseline. Great help defense there. Roy was all over him. Actually, that was Jones. Tremendous defense. Baseline flying it up with a layup. No good. Payne got the rebound for Florence. Jayceon surveys traffic to Pearson. Back to Payne in rhythm. Three. Got it.

That was a rhythm three. That's a good three. And Florence has cut it down to five. And the Florence crowd starting to get into it a little bit here. Gross on the left wing. Way up top. Man-to-man defense. Tries to get by Roy. Can't. Has to stay up top. Roy. Boy in that defensive position. Aycock picks up the dribble. Gets it to Cleveland. Williams has it in the corner. Tries to get by Jones. Boy, great defense by Jones. He is a tremendous defender. Jones nearly got us knocked away, but Williams saved it in the corner.

Gross has it. Back door cut night open. Falcons defense much better. Boy, look at Jones just bodying up Williams. Williams had it stolen away by Payne because Jones wouldn't let him by. Payne, coast to coast. Euro step layup. Ooh, it wouldn't go. Rebound taken by the Tigers, and they've got to run out to Jones. He'll go up. He'll lay it up, and he's fouled by Jones. He used his body to shield Jones, and he drew the contact. And I believe that's number two on him. So to the free throw line will be Sir Williams.

What a great name for a high school player. He's outstanding. First free throw, no good. Half his points have been at the free throw line. All right, the Golden Tigers have hit 13 or 14 free throws in the game, but they missed two there. Rebound by Burnett of Florence. He flies up the floor. Hesitation dribble. Kept it alive with the left hand. Now he's triple team in the corner. Gets rid of it. Jones settles everybody down. Ball swings around in the corner. Pearson said let's settle down. Gets the 2-3 zone.

Cross court skip pass. Good one right there. Burnett hesitation. Kicks it back out. Payne for three. Yes, sir. That's great ball movement by Florence, and Florence has cut the lead to two. It's a one possession game with 6.16 to go. Oh, you can sense the momentum from all the boys in black and blue. Cleveland hounded by Payne. Cleveland trying to get around Payne. Can't do it. Now they're going to call a reach in on Payne. He'll pick up the foul. Second team foul. You ever get a feeling that maybe a half in a game could be a, well, something could change some things?

[58:14] We'll see. Williams had it knocked away. Payne from behind. It'll stay with Russell. Right now, Florence has really done a much better job. Good job by the Florence defense. Again, they have to go outside to Aycock. Aycock tries to drive them in. Put up a shot. Missed a rebound. Burnett lost. It goes out of bounds. It'll stay with Russell. That's the right call. Golden Tigers will get it after Burnett knocked that out of bounds. But Florence once down by 16. Now down by two with 5.53 to go in the third.

Great tenacity on defense from the past quarter in two minutes. Aycock. Guarded here by Burnett. Gets rid of it to Cleveland. Cleveland trying to drive on Payne. Spins at the lane. Can't get the shot off. Kicked it back out to Gross. Back to Cleveland. Cleveland tries to lob it in to Odom. Got it inside. Knocked away. Stolen away by Pearson. Pearson weaving through traffic. Blows by two Golden Tigers. Down to Roy. Into the paint. He kicks it back out. Pearson for three. And the lead. Why not?

How about the comeback kids? The Falcons have come back and taken the lead. 39-38. Give the assist for Roy. Williams has it. He wants to go one-on-one against everybody. Gross in the corner. Wanted to go inside to Odom. Cleveland spin. Had it knocked away. Aycock saved it. Good defense there. Aycock will shoot a three. Back rim no good. And Odom got the rebound. They're going to call a foul. That is on Burnett. Jones will come out. Skipworth will come in at the 458 mark. Florence leads it by one after trailing by as many as 16.

Maybe even more. Might have been 17 at one time. Aycock to Gross. Gross got a screen. Goes inside. And they're going to call a foul. And he got the shot to go. And they're going to give it to him. And again, the and one for Russell. They have got that continuation. Foul is called on Cage Roy. And Russell takes a one-point lead. It's gross. We'll go to the line. Try to complete the three-point play. And he does. Paying from NBA range. That one's front rim no good.

Tipped around and taken by Williams. Williams, though, has three Falcons in front of him. Lost it. Got it back. Not a ball on the floor. Lost it again. And that's going to go against Burnett. So that's five team fouls on Florence with 4.37 to go. Dillon Burleson voicing his opinion in a calm way. Williams free throw good. I'm here courtside. Rarely do you see Dillon Burleson not happy. But he not happy. That's a good way to put it. Second free throw. Wouldn't go. Rebound by Green. Golden Tigers lead it by three now.

42-39. Payne to Green. Skipper skips it in the corner to Pearson. Double team. Skip pass now to Payne. In the other corner. Falcons open. Three on the way by Burnett. It wouldn't go. Green lost it out of bounds. It'll stay with Florence. As Williams knocked it out of bounds. Third quarter. 4.23 to go. Florence down by three. We'll have it. Look at getting in bounds. Get it inside. Green. Hard to the basket. He's fouled. And the 4.20 mark. The first team foul called on Russellville will be on Odom.

Kevontae Green will go to the line and shoot free throws for the Falcons. This will be Kevontae's first free throws of the day. That one wouldn't go. The Falcons have attempted maybe six free throws here in the game. This will be number seven for Green. Trying to cut it to two. And he got that one. They go one of two. He has 11 on the day. And full court press and stolen away by Payne. Got it to Skipworth for three. That's good. Tamarian Skipworth set his feet.

Drains the three. Timeout taken by the Golden Tigers. And Florence has the lead. 43-42. 4.13 to go here in the third quarter. Falcon basketball back in one minute. Hello. My name is Keith Medley. And I'm an attorney with the law firm of Johnson, Passour, Medley & Burchill. Why call an out-of-town lawyer when you can call our law firm, which has over 100 years of combined experience in all areas of the law. If you have a legal matter, please call me or Leslie Johnson, Debra Bell Passeur, Adam Burchill at 256-766-3131.

[1:03:32] We're proud to be a sponsor of Florence High School Athletics. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Irons Electric has been family-owned and operated for 65 years. Irons Electric is deeply rooted in the Florence High School tradition and is happy to be a part of many past projects, including the recently completed new band room. Irons Electric Company was voted the number one electrical contractor in 2023. Our professional team-owned staff and master electricians provide the expertise to make sure your project is installed per code to operate safely and flawlessly.

From small residential jobs to large commercial projects, call Irons Electric at 256-766-3870. You won't be shocked by their reputation. 4-13 to go in the third, and Florence has taken a 43-42 lead. Russell will trap on the sideline in trouble and taken away. Florence has took it away, but then had it taken right back by Duncan. That's a great steal by Duncan. He goes in the lane, kicked it in the corner, grows for three, short, no good. Williams got the rebound. He goes up, no good.

Rebound taken by Florence. Payne up the floor quickly to Roy. Roy hard to the basket. Layup, no good, but he's fouled. Should be on Williams. I haven't seen it. Look at it. It's on Williams. Cage Roy with the line to shoot two. First free throw, rolled out, wouldn't go. JV and Lewis will come into the game. Jones will come out. Got to keep that defender fresh. Jones has been outstanding against Williams. Skipworth will probably draw that now. Second free throw from Roy. Got one of two.

Two-point lead for Florence. Williams barely can get in bounds and gets it to Gross. Up the floor quickly. Got it to Acock. He'll take a deep three, short, no good. Rebound taken by Florence. Falcons wanting to push it a little bit. Payne has it. Payne in the back side. Tried to throw it in there. Knocked away. Stolen away by Russell. That's a pretty good play by the Golden Tigers as Roy didn't expect the ball. Here come the Golden Tigers with it. Acock. With Skipworth on him now.

To Cleveland. Cleveland looking. Back door cut. Knocked away. Stolen away by Payne. He's been overware. Payne. No look to Roy. Laid it up. Put it in. Oh, what a pass. That was a dime with money by Roy. And Florence leads it by four. Williams goes baseline. And he's knocked out of bounds. Last touch by Kevante Green. Pearson and Fulmer will come in with 3-0-2 to go. Lewis and Payne will get a breather. Payne's been outstanding to pass a little bit. Russell trying to swing the ball around near still by Green.

Instead, it's going back in the corner. They get it to Williams. He's got a lane. Put it up. Tough shot. No good. Tip. No good. Rebound. Taken out on the floor. Still on the floor. Fault for it. Jump ball. Possession error to Florence. Give Skipworth and Fulmer credit. They went on the floor to get it. And now Burnett coming in. And you're starting to see Florence trying to use their depth and wear it down a little bit. Roy will come out. He played great in the past two quarters.

Florence up by four here. Laid in the third. Green. Got to stay up. Lay up. No good. And a ball saved by Florence. Lewis has it in the corner. Actually, Burnett swings it around to Skipworth. Skipworth on the wing to Pearson. Pearson back out to Skipworth. To Pearson. Lobs it into green. Got pushed. And they finally call it. Two hands pushed there. Coach Patrick Godem didn't like that call on the other end. Florence up by four. Burnett's open. Three on the way. He will not go.

Fuller with a rebound for Florence. Brings it back out. Burnett has it again. He's not shot, but he won't take it there. Back to Burnett. Looking over here. Ball nearly knocked away. Pearson saves it. Pearson comes back out. Said, let's wait. Knocked it out of bounds. Last touch by Russell. It'll stay with Florence. For Florence, it's battled back. Lead it by four here in the third. Burnett on the wing against the 2-3 zone to Pearson on the wing. Now, Skipper drives in the lane. Lost the ball.

And it's taken away. Duncan has it. Push it up the floor to Williams. Williams hard to the basket. Up and good. Quickly down the floor. Fulmer. Baseline. Nowhere to go with it. Fulmer back out to Burnett. He's got a lane. Goes up with it. Skip shot. No good. Rebound taken by Russell. Golden Tigers have a chance to tie it or take the lead now with 1.40 to go. Cleveland will bring it up to the floor. Cleveland gets by Burnett. Cross-court pass. Got it over to Duncan for three.

[1:08:55] Missed everything. Rebound by Burnett of Florence. Burnett comes out of there. One on three. He don't care. He goes up with it anyway and puts it in. The freshman is eating up with talent. Nearly is still there. And he did force a turnover. Green has it for Florence. Green nearly threw it away. But Fulmer saved it. Wild action. Now Fulmer is hit from behind. And it's going to be a clip and call on Russell. That should be 15 yards. Wait. Wrong sport. Should be a foul, though.

And it will be. Called on Duncan. His bodies were on the floor. Payne, Jones, and Roy will come in. And now Dylan Burleson rolling in the players left and right. Going to try to wear down a Golden Tiger team that's probably gone six deep. He's going nine, ten deep. Lead it by four and will have the basketball. Asking if it was free throws yet, but went away. Jones to Payne. Payne against the two-three zone. Left side. Fulmer. Back to Payne. Payne got the screen. Oh, lost it.

Just went out of his hand. Wait until it went long. They got it up to Sir Williams who laid it up, put it in. That was just an unforced turnover by Florence. Florence Leap cut to two. Fulmer kicked it back out. Payne's open for three. That's good. Jason Payne has heated up. He's had three threes here in the third quarter. Russell with the basketball with 40 seconds to go. Cleveland will step in a three. No good. Rebound off. Lawrence. Falcons have it there. Roy gets it to Payne.

Payne wants to push it. Payne surveys traffic in the corner. To Pearson. They lob it inside now. Trying to post up. Good spin. Move inside. Left-hand shot no good by Jones, though. Rebound taken by Cleveland of Russellville. Wants to survey traffic. Boy, nearly had it taken away. And almost another turnover, but they get away with one. In the corner. The Golden Tigers. Williams is trapped. Florence defense everywhere and still the way. Roy with a run out. Roy with a layup. Roy makes it. Seven-point lead. 53-46 with two seconds.

One. And Russell Cleveland from half court. No good. Florence, unbelievable, has battled back and said, we're here. A lead at 53-46. One quarter to go. Falcon basketball back in one minute. Florence Utilities now offers new bill pay options. Sign up for paperless, auto pay, text pay, and more to make your life easier. When you go green and go paperless, you'll no longer have paper bills filling up your mailbox, and you'll be helping the environment. Sign up for text pay. Bill notifications go directly to your phone by text.

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March to the beat of your own drum. Bite into the beef of your own Whataburger creation. Whataburger, just like you like it. 54, Florence Boulevard. Florence has battled back incredibly in two quarters to erase a 17-point lead by the Golden Tigers of Russell. And now Florence leads it by 7, 53-46. The Falcons trailed 28-12 after one quarter. They trailed at the half, 38-30, and now they lead at 53-46 after they outscored Russell 23-8 there in the third quarter. It's not over yet, though. Gross in front court for Russell.

Gross picked up there by Payne. Payne using his feet wisely. Helped out. The hedge is good. Good help defense there. Roy all over Aycock. Gross gets it back. Payne trying to force him to the right. They run the high horn set, can't get by there, and have to pick it up. They want to lob it in to Odom if they can, but they can't right now. Great help defense. Aycock having trouble. Gets it back to Gross. Gross got a step in the lane, laid it up, and wouldn't go.

And a whistle. And that was on Fulmer. So free throw is coming for Gross. First free throw is good by Gross. Malachi Gross. I have him with six on the day. And that was stuck on the rim and fell through the net. And a whistle on the foul called on Odom for pushing inside. The free throw will go. But Odom will pick up the foul for pushing off on the inside. Payne in the front court to Jones to Fulmer. Baseline had it knocked away from behind.

[1:14:15] It'll stay with Florence. Cleveland will come in now. Odom will come out. 7-19 to go. Florence leads by five. Pearson inbounds it to Payne. Payne open. Three at the top of the key. That one wouldn't go. Rebound by Roy. Put it up. Wouldn't go. Actually, that was Jones that missed it. Got it back. Jones for the second time. Got it to go. Taylin Jones would not be denied. Seven-point lead. Williams cross court to Cleveland. Open for three. That one's good. Turns the lead down to four.

Florence in front court. And travel called on Jones. And it was the right call. Jones got caught in no man's land. Turnover Florence with 6.53 to go. Russell's not going to go away. They fought to get this lead early. Florence has fought back. Now the Golden Tigers are trying to answer the punch. Cleveland. Into the paint. Kicked it back out. Aycock drives. Free throw jumper. Wild shot. And a foul called. And a bailout. And free throws again. For the Golden Tigers. Aycock to shoot two. Daniel Aycock.

Daniel Aycock. First one on the way. Got it. Fulmer will come out. And I didn't catch you brought in. Made both of them. Made both of them. Two-point lead for Florence. Payne to Jones. Jones to Pearson. Kicked out of bounds. Will stay with Florence. Russell's cut the seven-point lead down to two with 6.29 to go. Pearson. Against the 2-3 zone. Gets it to Roy for three. That's good. Cage Roy with confidence knocked that one down. That's big. Eighth point of the day. But Williams leaked out behind everybody of all people and gets the basket.

Cannot let that happen. And Kevante Green will check into the game. Jones will come out. He has been outstanding here for the Falcons. Especially defensively. Pearson gets inside and threw it away. Kevante. Kevante flashed. But the ball was there. But Kevante didn't catch it. That's the best way to put it. It went by him. Kevante said, my bad. So, Florence's lead will stay at three. Full court pressure again. They get into Williams and backcourt. And Green will pick him up. Green makes him go behind the back twice.

He tries to get by him to the right side. Kevante really bothered him there like that. On the big body on him. And the grossest shot. No good. Rebound tipped out, though. Cleveland got it. Shot blocked in there by the Falcons. That's a great block there by Cage Roy. Lawrence pushes up the floor. Pearson looking back to Payne. Payne now to Pearson. He's open from the corner for three. Yes, sir. The senior drains the three. The lead back to six. 5.30 to go. Falcons stay full court.

Burnett went for the steal. Couldn't get it. Now they have to baseball pass it almost to get it across half court and barely beat the 10-second call. Gross to Williams. Williams trying to get a step. Found a step. And he's fouled, they say. He shot the ball. If it had gone in, they might have even given it to him. They were going to say that one was before the shot because he didn't make it. So, it goes 61-55. That's a great job by Cage Roy who comes out of the game.

Inbounds pass. Duncan had knocked away. Great defense there by Skipworth who knocked it out of bounds. And Jones says, I'm ready to come back in. He'll give Pearson a breather. 5.16 to go. Every dead ball, Dylan Burleson's getting a fresh body in. Keeping this guy fresh as much as possible. Cleveland behind the back dribble. Got by one. Defender knocked away. Ball on the floor. It's all players on the floor. He threw it out of bounds. It goes back to Florence. So, Florence will have the basketball after Cleveland lost it and threw it away.

Dylan Burleson calmly says to his team, run this play against the zone. Skipworth to Payne for three. On the way. Short. No good. Tilt up. No good. Tilt up. No good. Rebound by Jones. Block from behind. He's fouled. He'll go to the line to shoot two. Jones starting to assert his athletic ability on the inside. We'll go to the line with 4.53 to go. At the line shooting two in the mountains on the zero, Taylor Jones. One of the many lefties for Florence. Free throw went in and out.

[1:19:43] Florence has actually not shot the ball extremely well. Odom will come back in for Duncan. For Russell. Jones to try to make it a seven-point game. And both of them, almost identical, rimmed out. I mean, it was just back rim, front rim, and out. Rebound taken by Russell. Gross bringing it up the floor against Skipworth. Skipworth almost turned him over, and he did turn him over. Skipworth stayed with him and stayed with him and stayed with him. And he turned him three or four times, and finally Gross lost it out of bounds.

Payne wants to push it up the floor. Payne pulls up. Got it. Cross court. Open. Burnett. Three. Won't go. Rebound by Payne. Payne brings it back out. Against the 2-3 zone, he'll shoot a three. It's back rim. No good. Rebound by Florence. Falcons are quick to the ball. Skipworth gets it to Burnett. The lefty goes up. Block. Green got it. Put it in. Florence leads eight, 63-55. Cleveland all the way to the lane. Shot. Partially blocked. Rebound. Tipped out. Taken by Florence. Payne looks behind him.

Nobody with him. Pulls up. Seven-footer up. Good. Florence starting to take over. Timeout taken by the Golden Tigers. The Falcons extend the lead to 10 with 4-2 to go in the game. Falcon basketball back in 30. No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Lost Pizza's got you covered. We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza. Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations. Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like Lost Pizza. Feed the team, fuel the fans. Go big with Lost Pizza.

4-0-2 to go in the game. Florence has taken a 10-point lead. And if you would have watched the first quarter, you would have said, Florence has a 10-point lead? Are you kidding? But the Falcons have fought back, battled back, and turned it up a notch. And it might be one of those games where you look back, if you get the tournament play, you could circle back to this game on a Tuesday night in Russellville, Alabama, where a team sort of rallied around their young coach and said, all right, we know who we are.

Let's play basketball. If they can close this one out, it'll be a huge win. Russellville tries a double pass, as they say. One guy gives it to another guy. It throws it down to Williams. Williams hard to the basket, and they blow the whistle. And he'll go to the line to shoot two. They call that on Payne. He went vertical, he thought. Williams to shoot two. Sir Williams, free throw is good. Williams has scored eight field goals and 11 free throws. Falcons with the basketball, lead it by eight.

Now Russell starting to pressure a little more. Pearson open, three on the way, short, no good. Rebound taken by Williams. Williams wants to push. Lost it out of bounds. Last touch by Florence as Payne and Skipworth right in front of me. Caught Williams in no man's land, but Williams bailed out there. Cleveland inbound it. Williams in back court. Skipworth stays with him. Williams in the corner now. Good help right there. Payne stayed with it. Aycock couldn't get the shot off against Pearson. Back out to Cleveland with 3.22 to go.

And Florence up by eight. Aycock stepped back, can't get the three off. They lob it inside, tipped around, knocked out of bounds. Last touch by Russell. Great defense by five guys in black and blue. Florence has the ball, an eight-point lead, and the basketball. They push it up the floor. Nearly knocked away and stolen away. Beautiful play by Aycock, and he's fouled. Burnett got him from behind. Two, two, no, go back out. Fourteen, fourteen, come back out. Fourteen, fourteen. So they've got to wait until the free throws are shot.

Got to wait until the free throws are shot before Burnett can be substituted in for. Eight-point lead, 3-0-9 to go, and Aycock will shoot free throws. Russell will shoot two free throws the rest of the game. And the Golden Tigers have only committed two fouls here in the fourth quarter. First one up and good. 65-58, 3-0-9 to go. Russell shoots free throws well. Second free throw up, and he got them both to go, rolled them in. They're not out of it yet, the Golden Tigers have trimmed it down to six.

[1:25:10] Pearson to Payne. Now to skip our inside. Good post move by Roy, but lost it, but put up by Pearson. And in. Jayside with the left hand has eight on the day. And the lead back to eight. Williams picked up by Jones. Jones has been outstanding against Williams. But that time, Williams got the step. Jones lost his footing and grabbed him. And that's a foul, and Williams will go back to the charity strike where he has been much of the night. He's hit 11 free throws so far.

Missed one there. Kevante Green will check in for Florence. Eight-point lead. Williams has been to the free throw line more than all of Florence combined. Second free throw, missed them both. Maybe he started shooting free throws. Rebound down to Roy. Roy lost it, got it back. Payne stepped into a three. Missed that one. Rebound by Kevante Green. Put it in. Time out taken by Florence. We'll do the same. Florence leads it 69-59. Falcon basketball back in 30 seconds. Imagine a bank where you feel at home. Real people living right here in your community are the heart of Bank Independent and everything we do.

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69-59 with 2.35 to go in the game. Not over yet. This Golden Tiger team has really played well. 5-18 region 15 or area 15. I'm not sure how they call it. I think it's called the area 15 basketball. Excuse me. Golden Tigers are inbounded to Duncan in backcourt. Picked up by Pearson. Florence is going straight man full court. Gross. Everybody hedging on the defensive end for Florence right now. Fulmer in the game. Picks up Cleveland. Cleveland crosses out top to Gross. Gross trying to get inside. Ball tipped away. Stolen away.

Knocked down. Here comes Green. Kevontae a run out. Lay up block. And it's Russell Ball. And it was the right call. Kevontae last touch it going out of bounds. That was a good call. And that was a good play by Sir Williams. Gross gets it into Cleveland. 2-10 to go. Florence up by 10. Stolen away. Pocket pick. Lay up. Pearson good. You can hear the hand to leather from Pearson who just got double figures. That was just quickness right there. Williams on a run out trying to get by two Falcons.

Can't. Shot up. No good. Missed everything. Odom saves an inbounds. Last touch by Florence is Pearson. It'll go back to Russell. Those quick hands of the cornerback. Jay shot Pearson mattered. It's a Golden Tiger team, by the way. Their record not indicative of the team they could be. They could be a tough out in 5A, especially with Sir Williams. They just don't have a lot of depth. Williams switched by Kareem. Good switch. Good hedge right there by the Falcon defense. Williams will set up for a three.

Missed it. Rebound by Pearson. Jay shot said, let's run. Jay shot lobbed to Green. Shot blocked, but he's fouled. He'll go to the line and shoot two. Jay shot tried to look off. The defender. And Williams got him on the arm. And Falcons lead it by 12 and will shoot free throws. So whatever the young coach, Dylan Burleson, and his staff did at halftime and at the end of the first quarter, has paid dividends as Kevante Green makes the first. 13-point lead. Here courtside I am by Sidney Burleson, the bookkeeper for Florence High School.

Second free throw by Green is good. Our next broadcast Thursday night, Florence and Austin. Cleveland spins in the lane. One-footer is good. What a shot by Cleveland. That was off the wrong foot. And he put it up, put it in. Cut the lead to 12 with 1-11 to go. And now Russell will go man-to-man. They've been in zone all game long. And Payne will have it. And give Russell credit. They played basically five guys all game long. They're exhausted. And Coach Dylan Burleson used the depth to wear them down.

[1:30:39] And that's what played off. Pearson to Green. Green goes to the basket. Missed a shot. Rebound taken down by Odom. Good defense. With 12-point lead with 40 seconds to go. Cleveland. Down the floor. Cleveland lost it. Stulled it away. Fulmer knocked it away. Payne has it. And Jayceon just pulls back and says, all right, we got the ball. We got the lead for 12. And he'll pull it back. And I think Russell may weigh the white flag. And Payne said, whew, it wasn't easy. Jayce shot with a smile.

Payne with a smile. And tip of the hat to Russell. Who fought hard. But in the end, the Falcons used their depth. The Falcons used their defense. And might be one of those games where the Falcons looked back at it and said, okay, this is who we are. Rided the ship tonight. And they win it, 73-61. This is Falcon basketball. We're back in one minute. Hi, I'm Dr. Brady Citizen with Treehouse Children's Dentistry. Our teens in Tuscumbia, Killen, and Madison are so excited to welcome you and your family to our treehouse.

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The Cypress Creek Indoor Range team provides you with the knowledge and the right equipment to defend yourself and family. And our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range gives you the perfect place to practice. You can take your skills to the next level through our extensive training classes or private lessons. At Cypress Creek Indoor Range, your safety is our number one priority. Back here at Russellville High School, good news for Florence fans, as the Florence Falcons come back from trailing by 17 to knock off Russellville, a tough Golden Tiger team.

And Florence wins it on the road, 73-61. And I want to say again thank you to the administration staff here at Russellville. They've been nothing but class. And speaking of class, Patrick Odom, the head coach of the Golden Tigers, his team fought hard. He had them right where he wanted. They'd lose it. He came by and shook every player from Florence, every coach, and he came back by and he said, Hey, man, good to see you. Just a class act. Russell's got one of the best coaches in the area, and I hope they know that.

He is what you want your son to play for as a young coach like that. So, Florence wins it 73-61. They trailed at the end of the first quarter, 28-12. And it did not look pretty. Matter of fact, they were down by this meaning of 17. Russellville got to the free throw line over and over and over again. And Florence got in foul trouble. But the Falcons fought back in the first half and trimmed the lead late in the first half to 38-30. And then Florence took the lead in the third quarter, 53-46, and ended up winning it by 12, 73-61.

Jason Payne led the four. Let's get to Russellville scores first real quick. Sir Williams for Russellville led the Golden Tigers. He had 14 two-pointers, or 14 points and two points. And then let's add him up here. We'll get it 13, 14, 16, 25 for Sir Williams. That was seven for Gross. Cleveland ended up with 13 as well, five for Aycock, and seven for Odom for the Golden Tigers, who had five players to score. Meanwhile, Florence had a litter of players to score up and down the scoring list. And let's start down here with Kevante Green, who had a tremendous night.

He ended up with 17 points. Zylan Burnett had seven. Then you also have scoring tonight, Cage Roy with eight. Kipworth had eight. And Jayshod Pearson had 10. And Jayceon Payne, with six three-pointers, had 21 points to lead the Florence Falcons, who now get ready for their last area game as they go on the road Thursday night. We'll have that game for you, Lord willing, Thursday night from Austin High School as the Falcons take on the Black Bears. It's a big game for both teams, so pull for the Falcons for that one as well.

[1:35:40] Well, that's going to do it for us tonight. It's a school night. I'll let all the coaches and players get away because they're ready to get home and get these kids home safely. Thank you to James Moody in our station, Greg Thornton, our station manager. I'm Kevin Johnson saying Falcons win it, 7361. Have a good night. Be safe this weekend for sure. And as always, folks, I'll see you in church on Sunday. Good night, everyone. You've been listening to Florence Falcons basketball on Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.

Florence Falcons basketball on 93.9, The Score has been brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Johnson Pasture Medley & Birchall, Lost Pizza, North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Bank Independent, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range, and Hennigar Johnson & Layton Insurance. Thanks for listening, and go Falcons! We'll see you next time.