SPANISH FORT, Alabama — The Lady Toros staged two second-half comebacks to claim their own Tip-Off tournament crown Saturday. The Spanish Fort girls took an early lead on Saraland’s Lady Spartans Saturday night but fell behind by 15 points (30-15) at the half.

But an 18-0 run in the third period turned the tables as the Toros out-shot SHS 15-9 down the stretch for a 48-39 title victory. SFHS also came back from a 10-point halftime deficit against Flomaton Thursday to defeat the Lady Hurricanes 54-40 and advance. Saraland rallied late to edge Foley 44-39 in round one while the Lady Lions lost a consolation heart breaker to Flomaton 49-48 in overtime.

“That’s what we do,” said SFHS head coach Angi Puckett. “We fight, we scrap, we come back. We’re tough we have to be. But I’m proud of how the girls never quit and never gave up. Especially my freshmen that stepped up. They did well and in a crunch situation. They kept their heads and persevered. We also got our defensive act together a little bit, too, and that opened some doors as well in the second half. So it’s a good start to the season for sure.”

Senior Elaine Wood led the Toros with 34 points including five three pointers, seven steals, five rebounds, four assists and a block.

“Elaine took her game to a whole new level tonight and it was fun to watch,” Puckett added. “I was really proud of our comeback after trailing by 15 at the half. We held Saraland scoreless in the third quarter and began to be more patient with our offense and got some easy looks. With two of our starters in major foul trouble, I really was impressed at the composure of some of the girls that came in and played key minutes for us. My three other seniors Lauren Davis, Shannon Paaymans and Madison Robson and my freshmen India James and Zoe McVay all did great out there.”

Wood scored 14 against Flomaton Thursday. The Toros were without sophomore post play Rebecca Morehouse Saturday. She was instrumental in the comeback against Flomaton Thursday. Morehouse scored 16 against the 'Canes to lead SFHS offensively but sat out Saturday with a sore knee.

“Becca had a great game,” Puckett said. “She really kept the pressure up. She wanted the ball inside and she knew what she wanted to do with it. She’s tough. Had big rebounds for us, too.”

Saraland coach Justin Moore, who coached at Spanish Fort two years ago said it was nice to see many of the SF girls again and was not surprised at their toughness.

“We went out and did a good job in the first half, but most of my girls are so young. They haven’t learned how to play a full game and how to weather those surges we got in the third. But we’re learning. I knew the girls (Spanish Fort) would be fired up.”

The two teams could cross path again in tournament or post-season play. The Toros share 5A Area 2 with B.C. Rain, Gulf Shores and Williamson while SHS is in 5A Area 3 with Citronelle, Jackson and Satsuma. Spanish Fort plays at Fairhope Tuesday night (Nov. 13) at 6 p.m. Saraland will host Cottage Hill in their home opener Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.

Other scoring leaders for SFHS Saturday were Lauren Davis and Madison Robson with seven each. Saraland was led by Chassity Kidd's 18.

Sally Jeter takes over Foley girls team: Foley is coached by former Lady Lion and University of Alabama at Birmingham standout Sally Jeter who took over the program this year. An assistant womens basketball coach for several years at the University of New Orleans, the 3-year Blazer letterman and 1997 FHS grad said she was happy the Lady Lions job was open.

“I have loved what I've been doing but I felt like it was time for a change, and really to be honest, I just wanted to come back home, too. And to get to coach at my old school is just icing on the cake. I feel bad we didn’t hold on. We had both games and then I think they just got nervous and couldn’t settle down. We need to work on handling pressure. I knew we would have to hold off a run or two, but we’re so young we just lost our cool. One senior, three sophomores and a freshman out there most of the time. But, I'm so excited about this group. They are just so awesome and work so hard and just need more experience. I think we’re going to be fine.”

Brittney Davis scored 28 against Saraland and 24 against Flomaton.

“She is a great athlete and is playing with more and more confidence,” Jeter said. “She is deceptively fast and is going to be key to how we do as a team. We need her leadership, too.”

The varsity Lions open their season on the road at Baker Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.