Ragland advanced to play 1A Area 11 Tournament host Sacred Heart tomorrow at 7 p.m. after beating Victory Christian Tuesday night 51-31 in the first round.

The Purple Devils led 33-27 after three quarters and broke the game open in the final minutes.

Ragland’s Colton Echols hit a three and then grabbed a put back the next time down the floor, giving the Purple Devils a nine-point lead with 4:40 in the game.

Bradley Barber drilled a three moments later and the fourth quarter rout was on as Ragland built their lead.

“We didn’t rebound or play real well in the first half,” Ragland coach Andy Eden said. “In the second half we ran a half court trap and the pressure eventually paid off for us. We’ll have to play a lot better Friday night to have a chance. I think we’ll come out and play hard.”

The Lions had a tough year but coach Shawn Machen said he was proud of his team’s effort.

“The young men played their hearts out. Their effort in practice and games was phenomenal. Hopefully building blocks were laid for the next few seasons,” Machen said.

For Victory Christian, Scotty Elliot scored seven points, Jordo Bearden and Woody Hesterfield each chipped in six and Zac Johnson scored five.

Ragland’s leading scorers were Echols with 15, Devin Wilson with 11, Barber with eight and Landon Bice with seven.