JUNIOR HIGH TOURNEY, A-JUNIOR GIRLS: East Franklin wins back-to-back championships

The East Franklin Lady Rebels won their second straight A-Junior Girls Franklin County championship by beating Phil Campbell 40-12 in the finals Saturday night.

The Rebels wasted no time putting this game away. Macy Hardy grabbed the tip and immediately found Leela Baker under the basket for an easy layup – and it would continue like that all night.

The East Franklin girls raced out to a 16-1 first quarter lead and cruised to the championship from there. They led 24-5 at halftime and 35-9 at the end of the third quarter.

“Winning back-to-back championships felt awesome,” said East Franklin Coach Dalana Baker, who has a 35-2 record over the past two years. “It was the first time in our school’s history that the girls have done that.”

“I have enjoyed coaching this group of girls for the past three years,” Baker added. “They are hard-working and dedicated, and they play great team ball. I know they will continue to be successful as they move on to the varsity level.”

Hardy led East Franklin with 12 points, followed by Leela Baker with 10 points. Sidda Rogers added eight points and Ayla Stowe six points.

Mia Ambrosio led Phil Campbell with four points. Mary Beth Fisher and Brittany Ordonez scored three points each. Bailee Burfield added two points.

Phil Campbell 27, Tharptown 22 (OT)

Mia Ambrosio scored 14 points – and all seven of Phil Campbell’s overtime points – to lead the Bobcats past the Tharptown Wildcats in overtime 27-22.

Tharptown led Phil Campbell 8-6 at halftime and 15-13 in the third quarter. Phil Campbell outscored the Wildcats 7-5 in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime and held Tharptown to two points in overtime.

Pamela Saint led Tharptown with eight points.