Stephenson knocks off unbeaten Collins Hill to claim girls' AAAAA crown

DULUTH, Ga. - Ashley Thomas had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to lead Stephenson to a 69-62 victory and ruin Collins Hill&#39;s unbeaten season in the Class AAAAA girls title game Friday night.<br> <br> Chandrica Smith added 13 points to help Stephenson (32-1) recover from its loss last year in the title game to Parkview, Collins Hill&#39;s Region 8-AAAAA rival. Stephenson eliminated Collins Hill in the second round of the 2003 state tournament.<br> <br> Collins Hill (32-1) trailed by nine points with 1:53 remaining before Ashley Williams and Greteya Kelley hit 3-pointers that sparked a 10-0 run that gave the Eagles a 62-61 lead.<br> <br> But Thomas, an LSU signee, allowed Stephenson to retake the lead for good by stealing a pass and driving the length of the court for a layup.<br> <br> Collins Hill was attempting to win its third state title in the last four years. Kelley led the Eagles with 18 points and freshman center Maya Moore added 17 with eight rebounds.<br> <br> (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)