State tournament: Buford, Model girls advance to AA final

Macon — Blanche Alverson turned the Class AA semifinals into her personal playground Thursday night, guiding Buford to a 68-42 win over Laney.

Alverson had 24 points and eight rebounds, while Andraya Carter (12 points) and Alysha Rudnick (12) helped the Wolves reach the title game for the first time since 1999.

“Without the games [they] played, we don’t win,” said Buford coach Gene Durden. “Our kids really had a business-like mentality.”

Taylor Ayers led Laney (25-4) with 16 points.

• Model 63, Henry County 50: Model (31-0) is one win away from perfection. The Blue Devils got 18 points from Maci Siniard and 13 from Shelby Farrer to advance to the final. Model will try to win its second state title and first since 1997.

“You’re playing for the state championship, records mean very little,” said Model coach Sally Echols.

Briana Williams scored 28 for Henry (23-9).

Boys

• Blessed Trinity 62, Greene County 46: Ryan LeGates and Arris Brundidge each scored 23 points to power the Titans. Greene County (20-9) took an early 5-1 lead, but LeGates scored seven consecutive points, then assisted on two field goals in an 11-2 run that gave Blessed Trinity (26-6) the lead for good. The pair combined for 25 of the Titans’ 29 second-half points.

Model 63, Henry County 50: Thanks to its imposing front line, Model (31-0) is one win away from perfection. The Blue Devils got 18 points and nine rebounds from 5-foot-11 Maci Siniard and 13 points and nine rebounds from 6-1 Shelby Farrer to advance to the final. Model will try to win its second state title and first since 1997.

“You’re playing for the state championship, records mean very little,” said Model coach Sally Echols.

Guard Briana Williams had a game-high 28 points for Henry County (23-9).