With the region tournament approaching, the Fort Dale Eagles have picked up some key wins against region opponents over the last week.

The Eagles hosted Hooper last Friday.

The boys came away with a 45-44 win, while the girls won 44-29.

The boys’ game was a barnburner, and free throw shooting proved to be the difference in the game.

“Luke Hutcheson played very well for us, and hit his free throws down the stretch,” said head coach William Johnson. “He hit a couple to win it for us.”

Hutcheson started the game 1-6 from the free throw line, but finished on an 8-8 run from the charity stripe.

He finished the game with 15 points.

Despite the 15-point win for the girls, Johnson said they struggled after fighting hard against Lee-Scott.

“It was a tough game for us after the Lee-Scott game,” he said. “We lacked some legs, but we struggled on.”

Jesse Langford had 12 points for the Eagles against Hooper, and Lori Fail added 10.

The Eagles then took to the road against Glenwood earlier this week.

The boys fell 63-54, but the girls pulled out a 38-34 victory.

Sanders Hancock led the boys with 19 points and Steven Lee added 11.

The girls’ defense cranked it up in the second half to help the Eagles’ come-from-behind win.

“We were down 14 points with 12 minutes to go, but they only scored 12 points in the second half,” Johnson said.

Abbey Martin scored 12 points and Langford added 10.

The FDA boys are comfortably the fifth seed in the region with a 4-7 record.

The Eagles will meet the loser of the Pike- Macon-East game in the region tournament.

Last night’s game against Taylor Road was crucial for the Lady Eagles.

With a win, the Eagles are the third seed and face Hooper in the regional tournament.

With a loss, the Lady Eagles fall to the fourth seed and play Glenwood.

“Seeding is very important in our region tournament,” Johnson said.

Results of the game against Taylor Road were unavailable at press time.