Photo by Lee Epps
It was close until a stream of three-point buckets propelled the visiting Spring Grove girls past Houston, 66-54, in a high-stakes SEC showdown in the regular-season finale. The Lions (15-1, 21-5) thus claimed sole possession of the league title while also denying the Hurricanes (13-3, 16-10) a share. It was the Lions’ first crown in eight years and 11th all-time, more than any other SEC girls’ program. Both head coach Taylor Elton and assistant Blaine Storlie played on Lion championship teams. Under former Houston standout, now head coach Dale Moga, the Hurricanes now contend for titles every year, claiming all four championships in recent seasons: 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Avery Kingsley scored 29 points for the ‘Canes. Kinley Soiney tossed in 32 for SG to go with 9 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. Siri Konkel added 20 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for SG. Aubry Boldt chipped in 11 points for Houston. With nine lead changes, it was close until it was not. As in the teams’ earlier meeting, a 65-44 SG win, the ’Canes led again at halftime, this time 30-28, before being left behind after intermission. Halfway through the second half, SG broke a 47-47 tie with a traditional three-point, post-cut basket and free throw by Konkel, assist Emerson Ingvalson. After the teams traded threes, the Lions led 53-51 (7:13). But Houston went scoreless through their next nine possessions. The Lions scored 13 unanswered points, including a trio of treys. After sinking only 1 of 13 triples (8%) before halftime, SG hit 9 of 17 (53%) in the second half. Both teams shot well (SG 47%, Houston 44%), but the Lions had eight fewer turnovers (12 to 20). SG is 1A’s 4-seed, will host 13-seed Southland (8-17). Houston (16-10) is 1A’s 8-seed, will host 9-seed Kingsland (15-8).