By Adam Crocker/Sports Correspondent
After enduring a very physical fourth quarter, Southside pulled out a 48-44 win over Glencoe in the semifinal round of the Etowah County girls basketball tournament on Thursday (Jan. 22) at Gadsden State.
With 4:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lady Panthers (13-10) called timeout with a 42-37 lead. The Lady Yellow Jackets remained within striking distance until Mallary Smith’s steal and layup duo put Southside ahead 46-41.
“Anytime you’re hitting from the perimeter it’s an advantage,” said Southside coach Kim Nails. “We were able to make a little run off of our defense and off of our press. That gave us a little run, which put a little momentum in our favor.”
The Lady Panthers knocked down seven 3-point baskets, led by six from Blakely Alfred. Lindsey Hindsman put up the other trey.
Southside led by as many as seven points at the beginning of the final period, and Glencoe pressed the seam as hard as it could. Led by Jessica Rathje, Maddie Osbourne and Karly Royal, the Lady Yellow Jackers cut the deficit to 42-4.1
Alfred finished without 20 points, while Hindsman added eight.
Sally Tinker paced Glencoe with 19 points, while Rathje scored 11.