Dodd City 30, Nazareth 21: Lady Hornets make the breakthrough with first state title
In their fourth meeting in five years, it was bound to happen for the Lady Hornets of Dodd City.
Taking a 16-11 lead in the locker room, Nazareth struggled to get an offensive rhythm in the second half as the Dodd City defense pitched a shutout in a rare instance for Nazareth, which was key in giving Dodd City the push to their first state title in school history.
“It means everything,” Stephenson said. “It’s a pretty special season and team. We will look back in many years and cherish this. It’s the best birthday present I’ve ever received.
– Alex Stephenson, Dodd City head coach
The game plan was to defend at a high level. A lot of times when you defend at a high level, it takes away from your offense,” Dodd City head coach Alex Stephenson said.
Many questions were facing the Dodd City line up as Rion Baccus picked up an injury during the state semifinal game against Neches. Baccus saw the floor for brief moments during the game with a torn ACL injury and limited mobility, which led to Ali Preas taking the starting role.
With a 6-2 lead to start the game, the Swiftettes used the three ball well and getting good looks early on. Jaden Pigg hit a three to end the first quarter with a one-point deficit.
After a pair of free throws from Dani Baccus and a Hilliard layup, Merry Gerber hit another three to cut the deficit to only two at the 4:49 mark in the second quarter.
Iris Shilderlink hit a three of her own to give Nazareth the first lead of the game along with a Presley Wheeler long-range basket to extend the lead to 14-10 with two minutes left.
In the first half, the Swiftettes shot 44 percent from three as Dodd City did not get a look behind the arc
The Nazareth defense was clicking, forcing seven turnovers and scoring 11 points off the extra possessions.
Dodd City made the necessary adjustments as both defenses showed up in key starts, which would bring the battle to the glass.
The Lady Hornets outrebounded Nazareth, 12-8 on the glass and scored four points off second change points.
Journie Hilliard picked up MVP honors, as she scored 13 points, collected seven rebounds and shot six-of-eight from the field. Dani Baccus followed with 12 points, four rebounds and went perfect from the line with converting six free throws from her six attempts.
