By Staff
Ledbetter
For the FCT
RED BAY – It's been five years since the Red Bay girls played for a state championship but the Lady Tigers are only two wins away from the Final Four in Birmingham after hanging on to beat Addison 49-40 Thursday.
"It's been a long time since we've been to Hanceville, and we're glad to be going back," said Red Bay coach Donnie Roberts, who has guided the Lady Tigers to three titles in five championship game appearances.
Red Bay started slowly but the Lady Tigers tied the game at 21 at halftime thanks to consecutive baskets by Jessica Johnston, Chelsey McWiliams and Brittany Scott, who also sank two key free throws late in the first half and finished with a game-high 21 points.
Red Bay seized control in the third quarter and led by eight points heading into the final period as the Lady Tigers led by as many as 13 points,
Williams said the Lady Tigers started slowly but now they're ready to focus on the Northwest Regional tournament in Hanceville.
"I think we got off to a sow start in the first half because maybe we were nervous about the game," said McWilliams, who finished with 13 points. "But we pulled it out, and that's all that matters. It just feels good to be going to Hanceville because I've been waiting a long time, and it finally got here."
Johnston scored 12 points for Red Bay (23-8), while Haley Wiggins led Addison with 17 points, and Jessy Willingham added 10.
Red Bay will play 3 p.m. Wednesday against Tanner in the opening round of the regional tournament.