Girls: Holy Innocents'80, Putnam County 49

Wesleyan won last year's title game after going 0-3 against Holy Innocents' leading into the championship. Once again, Holy Innocents' won the pre-state tourney series over the Lady Wolves this season, beating Wesleyan twice in the span of a week, including in the region title game.

Now the Lady Golden Bears are once again a win away from their second title in program history, the first coming in 1999.

"We know what (the Lady Wolves) can do and what they're capable of," said Lady Golden Bears sophomore Kaila Hubbard, who led the Holy Innocents' charge with 26 points. "We just have to execute on our behalf and what happens, happens."

Added Lady Golden Bears coach Tony Watkins: "I've got nothing but respect for the Wesleyan Lady Wolves and we're just honored to be on the same court with them next week and have a chance to battle it out."

The Lady Eagles (24-5), a No. 1 seed from Region 4, were over-matched from the jump. Holy Innocents' ran the floor and dominated in transition, building a 28-6 lead after one quarter, with Hubbard scoring 12 points.

Holy Innocents' led double digits the rest of the way, with their biggest lead being the game's final tally.

The Lady Golden Bears received a scare in the second quarter when juniors Khayla Pointer and Shai Blanding had a head-to-head collision, sending both to the ground and delaying the game for several minutes. Both - who are starters - left the game and didn't return, but Lady Golden Bears coach Tony Watkins said they passed concussion protocol and should be available for the title game.

Erica Cassell chipped in 17 points for Holy Innocents', followed by Aaliyah Milord's 14 points and Kennedy Suttle's 13.

Putnam County was led by Rykia Pennamon's 13 points and Ebony Hargrove's 12.

Credit: Craig Sager

Credit: Craig Sager