Central-Phenix City edges Smiths Station to advance to area championship

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER SMITHS STATION –– On Thursday, Feb. 12, top-seeded Central-Phenix City began the 7A, Region 4 tournament by defeating No. 4-seed Smiths Station, 56-48. The win sealed the Red Devils’ spot against No. 3-seed Opelika in the area championship two days later. It also guaranteed Central a spot in the regional playoffs, while it meant the Panthers’ season is over. “This type of game forced our guys to grow up a little bit. That was a tough one,” said Central head coach Steve Rogers. “All year, I’ve been talking to our young guys about the level of intensity and concentration we have to play with to win games like this. I think we did what we needed to do in those...