Cypress Creek 54, McKinney 51
It may have been slow, but Cy Creek found a way to grit out a tough semifinal win.
Of note, Cy Creek’s Rori Harmon did not see any minutes during the semifinal game. Alexander stated in the post-game press conference that it was a violation of team rules and is still unclear to play in tomorrow’s championship game.
The offense did not miss a beat behind junior Kyndall Hunter, who recorded a game high 31 points, a feat that has been no surprise with each game.
The supporting cast of Ally Haman and Morgan Hill also proved to be crucial down the stretch.
McKinney saw their chances to tie the game with two good looks from long range but could not get the shots to fall.
The Lady Lion defense took Cypress Creek out of their comfort zone early, recording 10 points off turnovers in the opening stanza of play.
McKinney end their year with a 22-13 mark that saw them finish third in 9-6A.
Duncanville 45, Converse Judson 36
In our game of the semifinal round, it was two teams that struggled to find their footing and getting a feel of the game, but the Pantherettes flexed their muscle in the third, to advance to their first state title game since 2017.
Head coach LaJeanna Howard also makes another state title game appearance, leading her former team Dallas Lincoln in 2018.
From the start of the third quarter to the 4:35 mark, Duncanville used a 6-3 run. In that stretch saw Nyah Smith hit a three and a Deja Kelly layup.
Judson attempted to come back with their offensive attack but were matched basket-for-basket with each possession that seemed as if the Lady Rockets put themselves closer to take the lead.
Kierra Sanderlin converted a layup with 61 seconds left in the game but Hope LeMelle sealed the game with a layup from Kelly.
Kelly, the North Carolina signee and recently named Gatorade National Player of the Year award winner, tallied a team high 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and went 2-3 from the free throw line in her first state tournament appearance in her senior year.
She will have the opportunity to hoist the most demanding accolade to an already highly-decorated career on Saturday at 8:30 p.m, facing Cypress Creek in a highly anticipated state championship game.
