Patriots power past Russell County into region semifinals

The Homewood Patriots showed their killer instinct in roaring past Russell County 77-34 in the Class 6A subregional game Tuesday.

The 10th-ranked Patriots (26-7) raced out to a 13-point halftime lead, then turned it up a notch, outscoring the Warriors 22-0 in the third period to leave no doubt that they would advance to the Central Regional semifinals at Montgomery. 

Malik Cook scored 18 points and delivered eight assists to lead the Pats. Austin Patterson added 14 points.

Homewood will face Bessemer City at Alabama State University's Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Friday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m.