Facing a deficit entering the fourth quarter of Friday’s North 5A semifinals, the Pillow Academy girls basketball team erupted for a 22-3 run in the final frame to cruise past Simpson Academy for a 55-37 victory.
The win advances the Lady Mustangs (28-4) to the tournament championship, where they will put their 13-game winning streak on the line Saturday at 2:15 p.m. against rival Leake Academy at Heritage Academy in Columbus. The powerhouse Lady Rebels are 2-1 against Pillow this season, the lone defeat snapping their 39-game winning streak in December.
The Lady Mustangs got a taste of their own medicine early against Simpson’s feisty defense, which forced Pillow into 11 turnovers in the first half. The Lady Mustangs clung to a 24-23 edge at the break, but Simpson battled back to take a 34-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In crunch time, Pillow turned it up a notch on both ends of the floor. Georgia Caroline Self knocked down a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter, giving the Lady Mustangs a 36-34 lead they never relinquished. Madeline Mattox scored 11 of her team-high 22 points in the final frame.
Sophomore forward Avery Howard also had a big game for Pillow, tallying 15 points, two steals and two assists. Sophomore guard Elise Howard nearly registered a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists. Senior guard Sarah Presley Howard finished with five points to go along with seven boards, three assists and two steals.
- Contact Riley Overend at 662-581-7237 or roverend@gwcommonwealth.com.
