Stephenson used a 13-0 first-half run to pull away from Redan and claim its second state championship, 58-43 in the Class AAAAA final at Gwinnett Arena.

The Jaguars (29-3) stifled the Raiders for three quarters, building a 43-20 lead. It was Stephenson's third convincing win over its Stone Mountain neighbor this season.

"This is the most wonderful feeling in the world," senior guard Jylisa Williams said as she clutched the championship trophy. "Four region championships was not enough."

Stephenson also won it all in 2004, but had lost in the semifinals every year since.

Williams scored 15 points, and Yasheeka Jones and Hiydaayah Williams added 10 apiece. LSU signee Taylor Turnbow had eight points, 12 rebounds and nine blocks.

Coach Dennis Watkins said his team would settle for nothing less than a title this season.

"They played with a chip on their shoulder," he said. "I was very proud of them defensively."

Redan (24-8) got 15 points from Nia Evans and nine from Alisha Andrews. But Stephenson's pressure took the Raiders out of their rhythm early.

It was 8-8 when Stephenson ran off 13 straight points. The spurt included two Turnbow putbacks, a Kayla Atkins' 3-pointer, and Jylisa Williams' familiar pullup.

Stephenson has been to six straight semifinals. Winning it all again "is like getting the monkey off our back," Watkins said.

While the Jaguars will lose 10 seniors, the Raiders' top scorers this season were two sophomores and a freshman.

After beating Redan by an average of 21 points in two regular-season meetings, Watkins warned his team Friday not to take the Raiders for granted.

"I told the girls that anything can happen, don't be complacent," Watkins said. "And they just played great."

Redan: Nia Evans 15, Alisha Andrews 9, Delia Brunson 6, Felecia Dixon 5, Quortni Fambro 4, Jillian Moore 2, Kimmiko Jiles 2, Keneecia Wyatt 0, Sydney Mason 0, Kelli Riles 0, Selena Alexander 0, Melinda Wright 0, Kierra Paige 0

Stephenson: Jylisa Williams 15, Yasheeka Jones 10, Hiydaayah Williams 10, Taylor Turnbow 8, Shyanne Halfkenny 6, Kayla Atkins 4, Rudie Denson 3, Kirsten Robinson 2, Prittany White 0, Arielle Walton 0, Marissa Lewis 0, Jenaelle Stephenson 0, Shelia Bradley 0, Keniqua Wyche 0, Charmaine Ross 0

Redan 8 6 6 23 —43