Lady Canes slay 3rd-ranked Dragons to reach the Class 5A Elite Eight
February 23, 2024
Ansley Griffin scored 29 points, including all nine of the Lady Canes’ points in overtime Friday night, as Cartersville won at 3rd-ranked Jefferson in the Class 5A state tournament’s second round, 66-64.
The Lady Canes led much of the way, but a furious rally by the host Dragons in the fourth quarter sent the game into a four-minute overtime period tied at 57-all.
Cartersville led 12-10 after one quarter and held a 30-20 advantage at halftime. Griffin scored 16 of her points in the first half.
The Dragons kept the Lady Canes’ guard scoreless in the third period and narrowed their deficit to 43-38 heading into the final eight minutes of regulation.
KK Arnold, Nayel Camper, and Senai Camper each made crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter for Cartersville, and Griffin added another bucket and a pair of free throws.
In the extra session, Griffin knocked down a pair of threes and made three of four free throws, while Jefferson got five points from Skyler Brady and two from Anni Aldridge.
Brady led the Dragons with 15 total points. Emeri Billings followed with 14. Delaney Dewitt scored 12, and Karlee Law added 10 for Jefferson.
In addition to Griffin’s 29 points, she had five rebounds and one steal. Arnold finished with 12 points, five assists, and three steals. Nayel Camper contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Senai Camper and Taff Bradley tossed in six points each. Zoie Shiflett and Jayda Cothran added two and one, respectively.
The Dragons have their season end with a 25-4 record.
"The girls fought so hard," said an ecstatic Lady Canes' coach Karisma Boykin. "They fought the entire way! I am one proud coach."
Cartersville (17-12) advances to the Class 5A Elite Eight next Tuesday. The Lady Canes will travel to Harris County (25-3). The Lady Tigers, ranked No. 10 in Class 5A, outlasted Bradwell Institute in the second round Friday night, 50-48.
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