MCHS basketball teams headed to state

The Madison County Red Raider basketball team clenched a state playoff berth Tuesday night at Johnson High School, knocking off the Region 8-AAAA number two seed Lanier 44-40.

Malik Freeman led Madison County with 17 points, while Kirkland Moon pitched in nine and TJ Skelton added eight.

"I'm very proud of the young men and excited for our program," said Red Raider head coach Steve Crouse, who will head to the state tournament for the second time.

The team joins the MCHS girls, who clenched a state berth Monday night with a convincing victory over Monroe Monday.

Both squads will now hit the court again Thursday. The Red Raiders will now face Eastside at Johnson High School in the second round of the region tournament at 5:30 p.m., following the MCHS girls' game at 4 p.m. against Stephens County. Win or lose, both teams will then play again Friday to determine their seeding in next week's Class AAAA state tournament.