GULF SHORES — As prep basketball officially tipped off across Baldwin County this past Thursday, Gulf Shores used a dominant fourth quarter to secure a 56-35 win over Rehobeth in its girls season opener.

The Dolphins and Rebels traded momentum for much of the night. Gulf Shores opened with energy on the defensive end, but Rehobeth answered with timely shot-making that kept the margin within single digits throughout the first half. The Rebels continued to hang around in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to eight before the Dolphins finally created separation.

Gulf Shores' offense began to click late in the third and into the fourth, leaning on drives to the basket to draw fouls and creating open looks on the perimeter. The Dolphins converted eight 3-pointers on the night and consistently earned trips to the free-throw line as their tempo increased.

Junior guard Anna Murray paced the Dolphins with 17 points, knocking down five threes and sparking the late offensive surge. Seniors Taylor Bjorgum and Kate Cimino provided steady production throughout, combining for 22 points and anchoring a balanced attack. The Dolphins returned to the floor coming off a 17-14 campaign that ended with a first-round playoff exit. Thursday's win also marked just the program's second opening-day victory in the past six seasons.

Across Baldwin County, several girls teams also opened their seasons. Daphne fell 59-30 to Biloxi (Miss.), while Bayside Academy rolled past Robertsdale 64-18. Elberta dropped its matchup with Mary G. Montgomery 56-4, Orange Beach came up short against Saraland 52-47, Foley opened with a 43-27 win over Davidson and Fairhope beat Spanish Fort 55-22 at the Toro Tip-off.

On the boys side, Foley edged Elberta 43-33 and Daphne narrowly fell 67-66 to Alma Bryant.