In an eagerly awaited rematch of the 2023 girls Class 2A state championship, the Mars Hill Bible Lady Panthers emerged triumphant once more against Cold Springs in the AHSAA basketball state semifinals.
Securing a commanding 60-50 victory at Legacy Arena on Monday afternoon, the Lady Panthers have secured their place in the state championship game, scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m. There, they will face the victor of the Ider and Luverne matchup as they strive to defend their 2023 state title.
The game showcased an exceptional performance from Belle Hill of Mars Hill Bible, who tallied a game-high 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Madie Sain also made a significant contribution, scoring 18 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 6-of-9 from the field. On the opposing team, Ella Bruer of Cold Springs concluded with 14 points and two rebounds.
Although the first half was closely contested, Mars Hill Bible entered halftime with a narrow 30-28 advantage. The Lady Panthers began the second half with significant momentum, embarking on an 8-0 run and extending their lead to 14 points. They managed to prevent the Lady Eagles from scoring a field goal until the 1:58 mark of the third quarter.
Cold Springs showcased resilience, initiating a 9-0 run to reduce the deficit to six points going into the final quarter. Yet, Mars Hill Bible maintained their composure and outscored their opponents 16-11 in the fourth period, ultimately clinching the victory.
Looking forward, the Lady Panthers are focused on the ultimate prize as they aim to defend their 2023 state title in the upcoming championship game.
For comprehensive regional basketball results and high school sports updates, it is recommended to consult trustworthy sources such as The Tuscaloosa News. Furthermore, for the latest developments in the realm of sports, readers can follow sports journalist Anna Snyder, who covers high school sports, University of Alabama softball, and football recruiting.
As the Lady Panthers prepare for the championship game, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown as they aspire to solidify their position as reigning champions and leave an indelible mark in the annals of AHSAA basketball history.