Final 48 – Paul Bryant falls 61-59 to Wenonah (Photo Gallery)

Second-ranked Paul Bryant High School's season came to a conclusion on Wednesday in the Class 5A semifinals against top-ranked Wenonah High School in Birmingham. The Stampede finished a 30-4 season with a 61-59 loss.

Paul Bryant outscored Wenonah 26-16 in the final quarter but time ran out as a halfcourt heave bounced on the rim. The game finished on a flurry of action as the Stampede nearly erase an 11-point deficit over the final 2:22.

Dexter Hood and Kevin Holland both scored 15 points to lead Paul Bryant, but poor shooting plagued the team throughout. They finished just 5-20 from behind the arc and 8-18 from the free throw line. Wenonah didn't shoot the ball much better but made it up at the stripe, hitting 20-33 free throws.

Alabama head coach Anthony Grant was on hand to scout a handful of players, but his primary focus was likely centered on Wenonah junior Justin Coleman. The 5'10", 160-pound point guard showed flashes of excellence but struggled offensively at times. He ended with 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists, but made just one of his eight field goal attempts.

Wenonah will play Center Point, which beat Faith Academy 56-39 at 7 p.m. on Friday.