WINDER, Ga. — The young Jefferson girls basketball team has suffered its fair share of growing pains this season.
On Wednesday, all the tribulation turned into jubilation for the Lady Dragons.
The Lady Dragons knocked off No. 3 seed Flowery Branch, 52-43, in the semifinals of the Region 8-5A tournament on Wednesday at Winder-Barrow.
With the win, Jefferson (9-15 Region 8-5A No. 2 seed) advances to the title game set for Friday at Winder-Barrow at 7 p.m. Jefferson also secured at least one home state tournament game next week.
The Lady Dragons led by three points heading to the final 8 minutes and rushed out to a 12-point advantage midway through the fourth.
It was the third straight win over the Lady Falcons this season.
"I just thought we played with great composure down the stretch…took care of the ball, got stops on defense, and really stuck to our game plan," Jefferson coach Greg Brown said. "I'm really proud of the progress this young group has made."
Sophomore Skylar Brady scored a game-high 21 points, nine from 3-point land in the second half, including a clutch bomb in the fourth period to lead the Lady Dragons.
Sophomore Emeri Billings added 9 points, including a pair of key foul shots in the final frame.
The Lady Falcons led 14-12 after the first quarter but fell behind 22-20 by halftime.
Brannen Shiloh and Amyia Scott led Flowery Branch with 12 points each, while Bella Brick had 11.
Flowery Branch (15-12 Region 8-5A No. 3 seed) will play in the consolation game on Friday at 4 p.m.
JEFFERSON 83,
HERITAGE 70
Micah Hooper scored 19 points, and Jaden Butts added 18 to lead the fourth-seeded Dragons to the Region 8-5A semifinal upset win over top-seeded Heritage-Conyers on Wednesday at Winder-Barrow.
The Dragons will play No. 2 seed Winder-Barrow in the Region 8-5A championship game on Friday at Winder-Barrow. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
Dashaun Keith added 12 points in the win, and Drew Williamson chipped in 11.
