By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Gadsden City High girls basketball coach Jeremy Brooks knew his Lady Titans would have their hands full on Dec. 29 against Sylacauga’s Shakayla Thomas.
“She is one of the top players in the state, and we knew it would take our best effort to defend her,” he said.
Thomas lived up to her billing, as she scored 25 points in leading the Class 5A No. 9 Lady Aggies (10-3) to a 45-41 win in the Lady Titan Holiday Classic championship game at GCHS.
Sylacauga erupted to a 10-2 lead at the end of the first quarter behind Thomas’ eight first quarter points. Thomas scored 14 of Sylacauga’s first 22 points as the Lady Aggies held a 22-13 lead at halftime.
“We got off to a slow start and we were not making our shots,” Brooks noted. “Sylacauga is a good team and ranked in 5A, this was just not our best effort tonight.”
Gadsden City (13-3) did make a run in the second half behind the shooting of Hannah Harris.
Sylacauga led 30 25 going into the fourth quarter. Gadsden City eventually cut the Lady Aggie lead to three points but could not get any closer.
Hannah Harris led the Lady Titans with 13 points. Dajia Williams scored nine points, followed by Takara Blount with eight. Williams grabbed seven rebounds.
Tiara Dark chipped in 10 points for Sylacauga.
The Lady Titans travel to Tuscaloosa on Saturday (Jan. 5) to take on Hillcrest.