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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Lady Huskies celebrate after defeating Prattville 51-40 in a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) celebrates after defeating Prattville 51-40 in a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Mia Ada (11) shoots for two points in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) dribbles the ball downcourt in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) shoots a free throw in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) shoots a free throw in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Sara Phillips (15) attempts a 3-pointer in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) shoots a free throw in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Lady Huskies react from the bench in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) moves toward the goal in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game against Prattville at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) dribbles the ball guarded by Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ashlyn Howard (30) shoots the ball in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) dribbles the ball downcourt guarded by Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Huskies student section cheers during the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) drives the ball downcourt guarded by Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter talks to Ryleigh Martin (4) during a timeout in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) shoots a layup in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) dribbles the ball as she looks to make a play guarded by Prattville's Jayla West-Young (3) in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter talks with the Lady Huskies during a timeout in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ashlyn Howard (30) shoots a free throw in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter during the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) drives the ball downcourt in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Mia Ada (11) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Amber Newman (33) shoots the ball guarded by Prattville's Jaina Misigah (5) in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) shoots the ball in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) drives the ball downcourt in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ashlyn Howard (30) shoots a jumper guarded by Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) and Prattville's Jayda Scott (2) in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) drives the ball downcourt in the second half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Lady Huskies defeated Prattville 51-40 to advance to the state championship game against Hoover on Saturday. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) and Prattville's Jaina Misigah (5) prepare to tip off before a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) goes down court covered by Prattville's Jayla West-Young (3) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Mia Ada (11), Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) and Jaina Misigah (5) battle for the rebound in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Prattville's KeLeigh Mullens (10) guards Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) attempts to block a shot by Prattville's KeLeigh Mullens (10) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville cheerleaders entertain the crowd in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Mia Ada (11) dribbles the ball in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Prattville's Jayda Scott (2) tries to strip the ball from Hewitt-Trussville's Olivia Burton (1) as she drives to the basket in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville students getting excited in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) guards Prattville's KeLeigh Mullens (10) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville players before the start of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) dribbles the ball in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville students celebrate their win after a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) shoots a free throw during a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter calls a play during a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) shoots a free throw during a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) dribbles past Prattville's Jayla West-Young (3) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) makes a layup as Prattville's Jayla West-Young (3) looks on in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ryleigh Martin (4) dribbles the ball downcourt in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Prattville's KeLeigh Mullens (10) challenges Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) for the rebound in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Lauryn Holley (12) looks for an open teammate in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Jordan Hunter (2) is guarded by Prattville's KeLeigh Mullens (10) in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville's Ashlyn Howard (30) guarded by Prattville's U'Llyriah Lewis (14) attempts a shot from under the basket in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Prattville's Jayla West-Young (3), Hewitt-Trussville's Ashlyn Howard (30) and Olivia Burton (1) battle for the rebound in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter reacts from courtside in the first half of a girls Class 7A state semifinal game at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Photo by David Leong.
BIRMINGHAM – It feels like déjà vu because it is in many ways.
In each of Hewitt-Trussville High School’s three trips to the state final four, the Lady Huskies have won in the semifinals.
They accomplished that with a 51-40 win over Prattville in the Class 7A semifinals Thursday afternoon at the BJCC's Legacy Arena.
And for the third time, Hewitt-Trussville will take on Hoover in the state championship game.
The Lady Huskies hope the comparisons stop there, since Hoover has won the previous two meetings in the state final.
But on Thursday, the Lady Huskies didn’t want to talk about the similarities between the 2019, 2021 and 2024 seasons. The last two times, they were happy to be there. It was discussed from the season’s outset that the goal was the state championship game.
This season was different. The focus shifted to the day-to-day task of improvement and worrying only about themselves.
“This year, we decided as seniors, we’re not going to talk about it; we’re just going to be about it,” senior guard Jordan Hunter said.
Hewitt-Trussville got it done in the semifinals thanks to a staunch defensive effort. The Lady Huskies held Prattville to just 27% shooting. That type of effort has been a hallmark of the team all season.
“Our defense has traveled with us, it’s been to every gym with us,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Tonya Hunter said. “Our shooting hasn’t, but our defense has been with us. This team is a defensive-minded team and it shows every game.”
Jordan Hunter did what she has done so often for Hewitt, leading the way on both ends of the floor. She finished with 22 points and five rebounds.
“I’m glad we have Jordan,” freshman guard Ryleigh Martin said.
“Jordan has played for me for six years and this group accepted her as the coach’s kid, and they allow her to play,” Tonya Hunter added.
Olivia Burton had a solid game, continuing her impressive play of late, going for 10 points and six rebounds. Ashlyn Howard controlled the paint, pulling down nine rebounds.
Burton believes this team’s bond is what makes it special, and the coach agrees. Tonya Hunter has coached multiple final four teams, but there’s a quality about this team that continues to stand out to heer.
“Words can’t describe this group,” she said. “I’ve had some really talented groups before, but what they bring is remarkable. What they do for each other is remarkable.”
U’llyriah Lewis led Prattville with 21 points.
Hewitt-Trussville will play Hoover at 4 p.m. Saturday for the 7A crown. Hoover is going for its fourth straight title.
“No matter who’s on the other side, who’s toe-to-toe, we’re going to do our best,” Tonya Hunter said. “I believe in this group, and we’re going to dig in.”
