On a chilly Saturday night at the Waco Center, the stakes were high as St. Marys faced off against Gilmer County in a rematch that would decide the Little Kanawha Conference title. With both teams displaying remarkable grit and determination, it was St. Marys who emerged victorious, securing a 37-34 win and denying Gilmer County a repeat championship.

A Hard-Fought Victory Sets the Stage for Future Glory

The Early Momentum

The game began with St. Marys asserting dominance early on. Led by the sharp shooting of Addie Davis and Callie Powell, the Blue Devils raced to a nine-point lead within the first few minutes. Davis, known for her clutch performances, delivered two crucial three-pointers, while Powell added a three-point play that left the crowd buzzing. The Titans, despite their best efforts, struggled to find their rhythm, allowing St. Marys to control the tempo from the outset.As the game progressed, the intensity only grew. Lena Frymier and Blair Dobbins managed to close the gap slightly, but St. Marys maintained a steady advantage. The Blue Devils' defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on every opportunity. By halftime, the score stood at 22-18 in favor of St. Marys, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

A Test of Resilience

The third quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum. St. Marys extended their lead to 12 points, thanks to a flurry of baskets from Brynnley Bulluck and Laney Watkins. Bulluck, in particular, showcased her versatility, contributing not only with scoring but also with a blocked shot that electrified the crowd. Watkins, meanwhile, dominated the boards, pulling down a game-high nine rebounds and dishing out assists that kept the offense flowing.However, Gilmer County refused to back down. Ava Dobbins, leading all scorers with 14 points, orchestrated a comeback that brought the Titans within striking distance. Her tenacity and leadership inspired her teammates, and soon the deficit had shrunk to just seven points. The final quarter became a battle of wills, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every possession.

The Final Push

As the clock ticked down, the tension in the arena was palpable. St. Marys opted for a ball-control strategy, but Gilmer County's pressure defense forced a pair of turnovers. Ava Dobbins capitalized on one of these opportunities, narrowing the gap to just three points. Yet, it was Bulluck who delivered the decisive blow, sinking a layup that restored St. Marys' cushion.With time running out, Gilmer County made one last push. Frymier launched a potential game-tying three-pointer, but it rimmed out, sealing the victory for St. Marys. The Blue Devils' triumph was not just a testament to their skill but also to their resilience. Coach Fred King praised his team's ability to come together when it mattered most, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

Looking Ahead

For St. Marys, this victory was more than just a conference title; it was a statement. The Blue Devils have now established themselves as a formidable force in the region, with their sights set on even greater achievements. Bulluck, reflecting on the win, noted the significance of avenging last year's overtime loss. "It feels incredible," she said. "We've worked so hard for this moment, and to come out on top means everything."Gilmer County, though disappointed, can take pride in their performance. The Titans remain a top-ranked team in Class A, and this close contest serves as a valuable learning experience. Head coach Amy Chapman acknowledged the challenge posed by St. Marys, calling them a worthy opponent. "They played an outstanding game," she remarked. "But we'll be back stronger next time."In the end, the night belonged to St. Marys, whose determination and unity secured a memorable victory. As they look forward to future challenges, the Blue Devils are poised to make their mark on the season.