CLASS 1A GIRLS’ SEMIFINALS: SKYLINE 57, lOACHAPOKA 44
By Cinthia Rico
Blakely Stucky led Skyline with a team-high 21 points and netting 5-of-6 shots from the field and sinking 8-of-8 at the free-throw line, Gracie Rowell added 16 points, five rebounds, including five 3s, as the Vikings bested Loachapoka 57-44 in the AHSAA Class 1A state semifinals at Legacy Arena Monday morning.
Kaina King finished with 10 points, Lexie Stucky with six points and Brinlee Potts added four points.
The Vikings secured an early 15-6 lead in the first quarter, led by double digits at intermission and advanced their efforts to 48-27 at the end of the third.
Early in the final frame, King nailed two layups, followed by double free throws from Lexie and Blakely Stucky and a good shot from Rowell to close out the game.
Taylah Murph paced Loachapoka with a game-high 22 points, Jasmyn Thomas added 15 points, A’myah Burks had four points and Briana Jones chipped in two points.
The Vikings finished their regular season ranked No. 1 in the final Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. Skyline will be defeating its 2021 title as they face Marion County in the state championship game at 4 p.m. Thursday at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena. The game was not completed before press time.
CLASS 2A GIRLS’ SEMIFINALS: PISGAH 64, LANETT 47
By Cinthia Rico
Kallie Tinker led Pisgah with a game-high 24 points, Molly Heard added 20 points and ten rebounds as the Lions triumphed over Lanett 64-47 in the AHSAA Class 3A state semifinals at Legacy Arena Monday.
Campbell Barron finished with nine points, Lila Kate Wheeler added seven points and Molly Holcomb chipped in four points.
The Eagle’s defense shut out Lanett secured a 25-7 lead in the first six minutes of play. Pisgah pulled away with a 45-27 advantage and fended off second-half comeback Wildcat efforts securing their 17th straight win.
Pisgah will be vying for their fifth straight state title this week, boasting nine state championships overall, with the Class 2A title last season and the 3A championship in 2020, 2019, and 2019 under the leadership of head coach Carey Ellison.
Makiah White paced Lanett with 14 points, Breanna Glaze added 11 points, Laila Lancaster and Nakerriona Heard finished with six points apiece.
According to the AHSAA, Pisgah currently holds the record for the second-most overall girl’s titles with nine, trailing behind Lauderdale County with 13.
The Eagles play St. Luke’s Episcopal in the state championship game at 9 a.m. Friday. The contest was not completed before press time.
