The Westminster girls failed to win the Region 4-AAA championship, but they did manage to secure a home playoff game for the first time in a decade. And even though the Wildcats lost to Jackson in the region final, they were encouraged by their ability to cut a 15-point deficit into a two-possession game in the final minutes.
“I feel good about the momentum we picked up,” Westminster coach Heather Kavis said. “We could have turned our backs and died but they dug in. That spirit, we’re going to take it into practice Monday and Tuesday’s game.”
Westminster will host Dodge County on Tuesday night. This should be a good game between two disciplined and well-coached teams.
Dodge County (19-7) features freshman Destanee Wright, who averages 10 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 steals. Paula Selph’s Indians also get 11.5 points from Tierra Hamilton. Westminster (20-7) suffered two losses to No. 4 Jackson.
The Wildcats are led by Hannah Morgan, one of four seniors on the team, and junior Maya Longacre.
Here are four other good first-round games:
East Hall at Ringgold: This may be the best first-round game on the board in AAA. East Hall (20-6) was victimized by a streaking West Hall team in the Region 7-AAA semifinal and settled for third place. Ringgold (22-4) did not lose a game in Region 6-AAA, but was trounced by Sonoraville in the final after beating the Phoenix by a combined 27 points in two previous meetings.
Calhoun at Dawson County: Another very good first-round game. Calhoun (19-7) was second in Region 6 during the regular season, but was upset by Sonoraville in the semifinal. Dawson County (23-4) did not play well in the 7-AAA final and lost to West Hall for the second time in eight days.
South Atlanta at Beach: No. 9 Beach (24-4) has won its last six games and beat No. 5 Johnson in the Region 1-AAA championship game. South Atlanta (16-10) has been a mystery team that did not play particularly well in the Region 4 playoffs. But the Hornets have the region player of the year in Takira Lindley, a 6-foot-1 senior.
Tattnall County at Jackson: Jackson (26-1) has won 24 straight games and can look overpowering at times with his quickness and attacking style. Keimeshia Walker (20 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.1 steals) could become a well-known name if the Jaguars keep winning. Tattnall County (18-9) played a more difficult schedule and in a tougher league, but has had trouble scoring points at times – only 30 vs. Beach in the Region 1-AAA semifinals and only 26 against Dodge County in the consolation game.
About the Author
