Saturday’s Best in the Nest Championship game featured number 1, Grandview facing, host, number 4 Horizon in what looked to be an early season playoff preview. Both teams entered the game undefeated and poised to make a statement across 5A.
It took nearly two and a half minutes for either team to get on the board, but once they did, neither team stopped. Horizon was on the board first, but Grandview responded immediately to take an early 3-2 lead. Things went back and forth with Horizon holding a 6-4 lead over Grandview with four minutes to go in the first quarter. Freshman Lauren Betts provided a spark for the Wolves with a big block a minute later, helping propel offensive power for Grandview. A timeout by Horizon was followed up with another block by Betts and a fast break layup by junior Addison O’Grady to give Grandview a 13-6 lead. Grandview held Horizon to only two points in the final four minutes of the quarter, taking a 15-8 lead into the second.
The Hawks came out firing to open the second with six straight points, reducing the Grandview lead to just one. This was the closest Horizon came to regaining the lead for the remainder of the game despite multiple chances at the line. Grandview suffered from early fouls, as Horizon was in the bonus with five and a half to go in the half. However, the Wolves showed incredible mental toughness as they overcame the foul calls with smart shooting and tight defense, leading to a 10-0 run. Horizon looked to close the gap once again after hitting back-to-back 3’s, but Grandview’s lead held at 37-27 going into the half.
The second half began with Grandview’s Alisha Davis trading baskets with Horizon’s Arielle Wisne. Both teams struggled to get it going before a huge steal by Grandview junior Tomia Johnson read the Horizon break out perfectly and fed fellow junior Landri Hudson for an open three, extending the Wolves’ lead, 46-31. Grandview continued to apply defensive pressure holding the Hawks to just eight in the quarter, while they finished the third scoring 21. The teams entered the fourth with Grandview holding their largest lead of the night, matching their quarter total of 21, at 58-37.
In the fourth, Horizon made an incredible defensive stand. The Hawks held Grandview scoreless for nearly the first six minutes of the quarter while they reduced the lead to ten, 58-48. Grandview finally broke their scoring drought with a layup by Betts, and found a way to shut down Horizon’s offense once again. The Wolves survived a late scare, but were able to prevent any further Horizon scoring, and took a 67-48 victory heading into next week’s 5A Finals rematch against Regis.
Game Notes:
Grandview:
Alisha Davis finished the night with a game-high 29-points for Grandview. Addison O’Grady finished the half with ten points, all coming inside the paint as Horizon struggled to stop her. Lauren Betts finished second in scoring with 12 of her own. Davis and senior Allyah Marlett were awarded the team’s first place plaque along with being named to the All-Tournament Team.
Horizon:
The Hawks showed why they were ranked fourth coming into Saturday’s game. An incredible defensive performance shut down Grandview’s high-octane offense, holding the scoreless for nearly eight total minutes. Horizon leaned heavily on team play with five players scoring five or more points on the night. The Hawks were led by sophomore Sam Deem’s 12 points and senior Aly Jimenez’s 11 points, both were awarded All-Tournament Team honors as well. One thing was apparent, this team has great senior leadership and experience, but among them are talented players who have a few more years to compete and have teams watching out for.