Trinity boys advance in AHSAA basketball Central Regionals for the first time in 12 years

Trinity boys basketball defeated Southside Selma 45-37 on Friday to advance in the AHSAA Central Regional at Bill Harris Arena. Games from Feb. 13-21 will determine which programs advance to Birmingham to play for state titles.

John Morris led all scores with 22 points, adding nine rebounds, five blocks and one steal.

“He is an unbelievable rim protector because he knows how to go straight up and use his body without fouling,” coach Matt Arrighi said. “These guys scrapped out what I thought was an ugly game at times. This is a great win for Trinity."

This was the first Regional playoff game for Trinity boys in 12 years. They dominated the inside with 26 points coming in the paint. The Wildcats also forced 20 Southside Selma turnovers and scored 16 points off of them.

Next they will face Sumter Central in the Regional Final for a spot in the state tournament.

”Winning and postseason basketball is fun,” Arrighi said. “You dream about making runs in the playoffs. In my years here we have not made it here so to do it and advance is awesome.

”Sumter Central has a contrasting play style than Southside Selma. First thing is understanding personnel and getting the scouting report. It’s a game where know one believes in us but us. So we have to prove everyone wrong.”

Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.