Henderson’s Lady Trojans fall in 5A semifinals to Wenonah, 63-51
BIRMINGHAM, AL (ahsaa.com) — Wenonah, two-time defending Class 5A girls’ state basketball champions, earned a chance to go for a third state title in a row Wednesday afternoon with a 63-51 triumph over Charles in the Class 5A semifinal game in the 2016 AHSAA State Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena Wednesday.
The two teams battled to a 43-43 deadlock after three quarters. The Lady Trojans (33-3) took a 45-44 lead 44 seconds into the final quarter, but the next four minutes belonged to the Dragons (32-1).
Coach Emanuel Bell’s team outscored Charles Henderson 17-5 the rest of the way to secure a third straight trip to the 5A state finals. Wednesday’s win was the 497th of Bell’s career. He is now 497-180 over 22 seasons.
Wenonah has won six state titles (1986, 1990, 1993, 2004, 2014 and 2015). The Dragons will play Saturday at 9 a.m. in the 5A championship game at the BJCC Legacy Arena.
Junior Alexus Dye scored 30 points to lead Wenonah. She was 12-of-18 from the field and 6-of-8 on free throws and had a game-high 13 rebounds. Faith Reynolds added 13 points and three assists, Kaitlyn Rodgers had seven points and seven rebounds and Jayla Morrow handed out four assists.
India Blakely’s 23 points led Coach Dynesha Jones’ Trojans. Maori Davenport added 12 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out late, and Niaira Jones had 11 points and six rebounds.
The 1A girls’ and boys’ finals will be Thursday at 4 and 5:45 p.m. respectively. Classes 2A, 3A and 4A play girls’ and boys’ championships Friday while the State Finals conclude Saturday with Classes 5A, 6A and 7A championship games.
