Area basketball

Alexandria holds off Cherokee County, and Cleburne County makes history to set up clash with Valley Cubs in Tuesday’s final.

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

ALEXANDRIA — It’s hard to beat a team three times in a season, especially when the team on the losing end finds its best version for the most meaningful game.

A healthy Cherokee County team made things hard for Alexandria’s Cole Wheeler, but he and J.J. Beason each scored 10 points to lead a “community effort” Saturday as the Valley Cubs survived 43-36 in the first round of the Class 4A, Area 12 tournament.

Alexandria (19-7) advanced to face Cleburne County in Tuesday’s 7 p.m. final at Alexandria. Both teams clinched sub-regional berths.

Cleburne County eliminated White Plains 60-40 earlier Saturday.

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