Buckhorn sophomore guard Jeremiah Wilson put up a game-high 13 points — adding five rebounds ‚four assists and three blocks — in leading the fourth-ranked Bucks to a dominant 64-44 victory of defending Class 6A champion and eighth-ranked Cullman in Friday’s Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State’s Tom Drake Coliseum.

The Bucks advance to the regional finals for the first time since the 2006 season — the last time they appeared in the state tournament after winning titles in 1991 and 1995.

“I’m really proud of our group, this is a good win for our program if for no other reason than we haven’t been here in a while,” Buckhorn coach Patrick Harding said. “When you’re playing the defending state champs, who are from this area and used to this gym and facility, I had worries about that. I knew our guys would be a little excitable early, but they came out and played wonderfully and competed the whole time.”

Buckhorn (24-7) finished the contest shooting 51.9 percent from the field, 8-for-18 on 3-pointers, and forced 12 turnovers while holding a slight edge in rebounding. Caleb Holt had 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists, followed by Terrence Robinson with 12 points, five rebounds and two steals, and Carter Malines contributed 11 points. Austin Childress added eight points and two boards.

The Bucks led 14-6 after the opening frame and held off a strong push from Cullman to take a 5-point advantage into the halftime break. Buckhorn outscored the Bearcats 22-10 in the third period, taking control with four made 3-point baskets, and coasted to the 20-point win on a 16-5 closing run that followed two Cullman 3-pointers to begin the final stanza.

“We were in control most of the game,” Harding said. “The end of the third quarter, where we were able to score a couple of buckets and hit a 3 at the buzzer, gave us a cushion and forced Cullman into trapping us in the fourth quarter. When we knew they were running people at us, guys did a great job of not letting the ball touch the floor and we got a lot of easy buckets on the back side.”

Cullman (26-6) shot 35.3 percent overall — 25 percent from beyond range — and fails to make the regional finals after winning the 2022 Class 6A state title last season. Tucker Cagle led the Bearcats with 11 points and three rebounds, followed by Garrison Sharpe with nine points and four assists. Sam Duskin added eight points and eight rebounds.

“We thought we had the game where we wanted it in the second half but kudos to them, we just couldn’t get it done and they played their tails off,” Cullman coach Stu Steadman said. “Proud of our team and our program. Mostly because of what they accomplished throughout their being here. These guys have really left their mark on the program and the community of Cullman. They should be celebrated. We didn’t get it done today but they should be celebrated for the history they’ve made and what they brought to their school, community and this basketball program.”