By ALEX DRISCOLL / Sports Correspondent

COLUMBIANA– In a January 16^th matchup, the Shelby County Wildcats took on their area rival, the Sylacauga Aggies. This was the second meeting between the two this year, and Shelby County was able to come away with a 71-68 victory.

The first quarter of play was one that saw Shelby County jump out to a quick 12-5 lead. The Wildcats extended their lead with great balance on the offensive end and tough aggressive defense on the other.

The Wildcats took a 27-17 lead into the second, which was quickly cut to six via a 7-3 Aggie run. Shelby County was able to hold Sylacauga to only six more points the rest of the quarter while adding 12 points of their own to take a 42-30 lead into the half.

Both teams played aggressive defense to start the third quarter, however Shelby County then pulled away and took a 60-42 lead into the fourth.

A 5-2 run was a valiant effort by the Aggies to come back but the Wildcats quickly countered with an 8-5 run of their own to lead 68-52 late in the fourth. Sylacauga would not quit as they climbed back in with a 10-0 run to come within six. Clutch free throws made by Shelby County aided them in walking away with a 71-68 victory.