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The Maplesville boys basketball team has begun to position itself in the region standings following a narrow 52-50 victory at home against Holy Spirit Catholic High School on Jan. 10.

The Red Devils trailed 37-31 heading into the fourth quarter when junior Jackson Abbott began to take over the game.

Abbott erupted for 15 points in the final quarter and helped fuel the MHS comeback.

At the same time, Maplesville also tightened its pressure in half-court defense and forced Holy Spirit into turnovers en route to a 48-43 lead.

However, Holy Spirit was on target throughout the night from long range and fought back against Abbott’s efforts with 3-pointers on consecutive trips down the court to regain a one-point lead, 49-48 late in the game.

Senior Ryan Morrow scored under the basket on an inbound play for what turned out to be game-winning bucket with less than a minute remaining.

Abbott provided the key assist on the play and was able to find Morrow down low despite being double-teamed.

Holy Spirit proceeded to turn the ball over with six seconds left, and Abbott drained both free throws after being fouled intentionally on the following inbound.

Maplesville fought off a slow start to lead 19-18 at halftime. The Red Devils trailed 12-8 at the end of the first quarter and had a pair of starters in foul trouble.

According to MHS head coach Stacy Mcgehee, they slowed the tempo down in the second quarter to help combat the situation.

Since the win, Maplesville suffered a 64-27 loss on the road at Francis Marion on Jan. 13 to drop to a record of 7-4 overall and 2-1 in region play.