By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Bradleyville Lady Eagles have won their first sectional playoff game in program history.
“We were hungry and we were ready,” said Coach Autumn Thomas. “It was all I could do not to cry. It is huge to know we have made history and I am proud of the girls. I give all the credit to them, because they came to play.”
The Lady Eagles topped the South Iron Lady Panthers 47-40 after pulling away in the final frame.
Two points separated the teams at the half, and after South Iron tied the game late in the third, Bradleyville widened the gap ever so slightly to enter the fourth, 33-29.
Coach Thomas noted senior point guard Kourtney Shipley was clutch down the stretch, adding eight points in the fourth. The Lady Panthers had crept to within one point of Bradleyville with two minutes to play, and Shipley sunk four free throws and a layup for the Lady Eagles.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Thomas said her team knew South Iron senior Ashley Mickan (15) was a good outside shooter and that their junior point guard Michaela Ayers (12) wouldn’t miss when she would take it in the paint.
“At halftime we told them, ‘We took care of 15 and now we have to worry about 12,’ and I thought they adjusted well,” said Coach Thomas.
The Lady Eagles also adjusted to South Iron’s double-teaming of their post players and played tough defense of their own, limiting the Lady Panthers’ center to just two points by the half. Coach Thomas said her team’s turnover count was good, “which is important against a team like this since they have some quick guards,” she said.
Bradleyville is now 24-5 on the season and will advance to play Scott County Central High in Van Buren March 3.
Scoring for South Iron: Michaela Ayers, 17; Ashley Mickan, 17; Jada Brooks, 5; and Callie Miller, 1.
Scoring for Bradleyville: Tay Sims, 8; Anna Turner, 8; Gracie Shipley, 8; Emily Williams, 10; Kortney Shipley, 13.
