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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

SYLACAUGA – A long road trip down U.S. 280 proved to be no problem for the Briarwood Christian Lions who claimed their second double-digit win of area play.

Briarwood improved to 2-0 in Class 5A, Area 8 with a 56-18 win over the Sylacauga Aggies on Thursday, Jan. 9 on the road.

In a game which was supposed to be played on Friday, Jan. 10 but was rescheduled due to snow, the Lions got off to a flying start. The team combined for four 3-pointers in the first quarter, including a pair from Emma Kerley in a nine-point quarter for her.

Briarwood’s stout defense also stood tall, leading to a 21-5 lead for the visiting Lions after the first quarter of play.

That deep shooting success didn’t carry over to the second quarter as Briarwood only got one 3-pointer in the form of Sasha Munikar’s second of the game. AT Baker picked up the scoring mantle, building off her strong first quarter with six in the second to get into double figures.

The Lions continued to outpace the Aggies in the second quarter as they won the second quarter 11-7 to extend their lead to 32-12 going into the halftime break.

Baker, Kerley and Munikar continued their strong nights into the third quarter as Baker and Kerley each hit multiple shots to give them seven and four in that stretch respectively and Munikar made another 3-pointer.

Sylacauga could only score once from the field in the entire second half against the Briarwood defense, and that basket came in the third as the hosts mustered just six points during the quarter.

That gave the Lions a 48-18 lead with just eight minutes remaining in the game.

Briarwood cruised from there, shutting out the Aggies in the fourth en route to securing the 38-point victory.

Baker led the Lions with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kerley finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, five blocks and three assists. Munikar joined them in double figures with 11 points and Grace Garrett added six points in the victory.

With the win, Briarwood is now 13-9 overall and 2-0 in area play. The team will look to remain undefeated in area play on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. against the Central Volunteers of Clay County.