The AHSAA
MOBILE – The AHSAA’s Alabama Girls’ All-Star basketball team kept its winning streak alive Saturday beating Mississippi 81-71 in the 35th game of the annual series. Saturday’s game was played at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Center.
Alabama’s girls, coached by Spring Garden’s Ricky Austin and Sparkman’s Emily Flanigan have now the last eight games in the series dating back to 2018 and holds a 21-14 edge in the series.
Hewitt-Trussville’s 6-foot-2 center Ashlyn Howard, a late add to the Alabama girls’ roster this week, came off the bench to give her team a strong inside presence – which turned out to be the difference in the game. She earned MVP honors finishing with a double double with 13 points and game-high 15 rebounds. She also had a blocked shot. Seven of her rebounds came on the offensive boards and at key times in the seconds half as she scored all 13 points.
Alabama’s all-stars struggled in the paint on offense and defense early on as Mississippi took an early lead. Hewitt-Trussville’s Howard came off the bench for the hosts and made a big difference – finishing the first half with eight rebounds.
Alabama’s all-stars also got the bulk of their first-half offense from Spring Garden senior Ace Austin and Vestavia Hills’ Sarah Gordon. Austin had 15 points and Gordon had eight – with six points coming on two key 3-pointers as both teams went into halftime tied 32-32. Austin finished the game with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
The third quarter belonged to Alabama, however. With Howard inspiring her team inside and Alabama’s quick defense forcing turnovers, Alabama outscored the visitors 23-12 to take 55-44 lead into the fourth period. The lead reached 16 midway through the fourth period.
Hoover’s Kaitlyn Gipson and Saniya Jackson of Park Crossing had strong finishes winding up with 17 and 11 points, respectively. Austin also finished with 17 points, six rebounds, a game high seven assists and two steals. Gordon also finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
Alabama out-rebounded Mississippi 72-54 overall with Haley Trotter of Chelsea pulling down eight and Jackson managed seven.
Mississippi was led by Calloway guard Jhanna Wilson. She earned MVP honors with a team-high 16 points, including two 3-pointers, and three assists. Nadia Norfleet of Tupelo added 13 points. Zariyah Edwards of Starkville added 10. Byron Sparks of New Site and Holly Moncrief of Brandon coached Mississippi’s team.
