Patriots boys, girls win

Malik Cook's layup gave the Homewood Patriots a 60-59 win Friday in the Central Regional semifinals over Bessemer City in Montgomery. 

The No. 10 Patriots (27-7) trailed for most of the game against second-ranked Bessemer City (26-7) and were down by seven early in the fourth quarter but tied the game at 56 on Austin Patterson's 3-pointer. 

Cook scored 26 points for the Patriots, who will play next week again in Montgomery. 

The Homewood Lady Patriots will join the boys team in Montgomery. The Lady Pats defeated Bessemer City 72-62 Thursday to advance to a regional final for the first time in school history.

The top-ranked Class 6A Lady Pats (27-4) were led by Ajah Wayne's 21 points and eight rebounds. Hannah Barber scored 20 points, added seven assists and three steals. Tori Webb added 18 points and eight rebounds.

They will take on Selma on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. in Montgomery in the Central Regional semifinals.