The second round of GHSA Final Four games was held on Saturday. The 6A game between Kell and Sequoyah was played at University of West Georgia and the 7A game between Harrison and Archer was at Buford Arena.
Under the direction of new head coach Kandra Bailey, the Kell Lady Longhorns came into the game riding a 15-game win streak. The experienced starters have been playing together for years and each player contributes to a very cohesive and difficult-to-beat team. Juniors Jada Green, Jada Peterson Jamiah Gregory, Crystal Henderson, and senior Amaya Moss are no strangers to state playoff games. Kell was 5A state runner-up in 2020, and made it to the 6A Elite 8 last year.
To get to Saturday's Final Four, Kell beat Winder-Barrow, Hughes, and Rome. Sequoyah's path consisted of wins over East Paulding, Houston County, and Bradwell Institute.
On the court, the teams were very evenly matched. The score through three quarters was also nearly even at 31-30, with Kell in front. Shooting percentage was low for both teams and it came down to rebounds and second-chance opportunities underneath. Sequoyah went on a 9-0 run in the third quarter to steal Kell's momentum and even the game at 27-27.
A low-scoring fourth quarter filled with free throws went Sequoyah's way as they outscored Kell 10-8 to take the victory, 40-38. Sequoyah will move on the finals in Macon where they will face a very skilled Lovejoy team.
The Lady Longhorns finished their season 27-3 overall. Despite their disappointment, these girls will be back and ready to play next season. With 4 out of 5 players returning and Coach Bailey leading the way, these Kell girls will be on a mission next year.
In 7A, the Harrison Lady Hoyas had a similar game with Archer. The score was even heading into the final quarter, 38-38. A steal and coast-to-coast layup by Bailey Vick early in the fourth gave the Lady Hoyas the lead. A three-pointer by Anna Gernatt and a follow-up and1 3-point play by Vick extended the Hoya lead to seven, 50-43. It proved to be the same margin as the final score thanks to three clutch foul shots by Holley Turner. Harrison moved on the finals with a final score of 59-52. The win improved their overall record to 27-3, and extended their win-streak to 21 games. They will face Norcross in 7A state championship game on Saturday (March 12, 2022).
Anna Gernatt had a terrific game with 4 three-pointers and tough defense underneath. Alisha Foster also dropped 4 shots from behind the arc and added a three-point and1 play to close the evening with 15 points. Bailey Vick contributed 13 points (8 in the fourth quarter) and was a major defensive disrupter for the Lady Hoyas.
Harrison will have their hands full against Norcross. The Blue Devils beat Campbell to advance to the finals with tight defense and accurate shots. The Lady Hoyas will need to continue their balanced attack on offense and close lanes on defense to take the state championship win over Norcross.
Great season, Lady Longhorns and good luck Lady Hoyas! We'll see you in Macon!
