HOMER, Ga. — In the past two weeks, the Banks County girls have made program history -- twice. But now, it’s become about accomplishing something even bigger.
Over the first six seasons under head coach Steve Shedd, Banks County was a modest 5-5 in the state playoffs with a quarterfinal appearance in 2018, just the fourth one in program history to that point. The girls had not advanced to a semifinal round since 1965 and had never played for a state title.
But that has all changed in 2023. The Lady Leopards (28-3) have stormed through the playoffs with four wins by an average of 14.5 points/per game. The latest was a nail-biting 48-44 win over Josey in the Class 2A semifinals.
That win has set up the Lady Leopards’ taking on Mount Paran (31-1) on Thursday at the Macon Coliseum for the Class 2A championship. Shedd said they are looking to achieve the final piece of what has been a developing puzzle over the past half-decade.
“This group has been together since elementary school and has won at every level they’ve been at. They have improved their game and skills every year, and it has been fun to be a part of this,” Shedd said. “We were excited to finally get past the quarterfinals, and then, you know, to get a win (in the semifinals) to get into the state championship game was just kind of a surreal moment for all of us. It’s just now really started to sink in.
“But these girls, I don’t think, are done just yet. You can see it in their eyes that they are focused on this and really want it.”
Only three other Banks County programs have won a team state championship -- the 2013 Duals wrestling squad (Class 3A), the 2017 boys cross country (2A), and the 2019 girls softball (2A).
However, the Banks County community has always been basketball-crazy, and Shedd feels this one could be a little different -- if they can pull off the upset.
“This community is starving for something like this,” he said. “This community loves its basketball. This would mean so much to all of us. I would love to see the girls be able to finish this just to see all the hard work they have put in pay off.”
Mt. Paran, the reigning Class A Private state champion, offers its sternest test so far. The Lady Eagles’ only loss was to Class 7A Brookwood, which is in the 7A championship game (56-54 at Brookwood). They have won 19 straight since then and are beating their playoff opposition by 28 ppg on average.
Banks County has won 21 straight since a 52-37 loss to Rabun County and is beating their playoff opponents by over 15 ppg. Both teams appear to be driven by their defense. The Lady Leopards are giving up just 40.5 ppg, while the Lady Eagles yield just 34.5 ppg in the playoffs.
Banks County did a phenomenal job in the first 2 1/2 quarters against Josey, holding a taller, longer, very athletic team to just 17 points until midway through the third quarter. Shedd said they will need a repeat performance in the finals.
“The challenge against Mt. Paran is to keep their shooters off the 3-point line and keep them off the offensive glass,” he said. “We did a good job of that last week. But Mt. Paran is much more similar to our style in that they like to slow it down. I’m hoping that will play to our advantage as well.”
The Lady Leopards can play tall or small, depending on the matchup. Sophomore guard Ryleigh Murphy and junior guard Addison Hoard bombed away from outside in the first half to open up the Josey defense. In the second half, senior forward Kamryn Grier dominated inside, pouring in all of her 14 points to go with 10 rebounds.
Opposing scouting reports typically make Grier, an Emmanuel College-signee, their primary focus. Shedd said that has proven to be a mistake in the playoffs.
“This team is more than just ‘as Kam goes, so do we,’” he said. “We’re a very balanced offensive team for the most part. Ryleigh and Addison carried us in the first half of the semifinals. (Reserve sophomore guard) Reese Murphy had 22 (points) in the first round (against North Murray).
“We welcome teams to double up on Kam. We feel like we have the shooters to open things up. Plus, Kam can hold her own against a double team.”
But the finals are like no other experience. Mt. Paran will have the obvious advantage of having been here last year and coming away with a title. It will be new territory for the Lady Leopards. Shedd, however, said he has not found much of anything to rattle his group.
“These girls love playing together and enjoy playing the game as a group,” he said. “I haven't found anything yet that seems to rattle them that much. They are a cool bunch out there on the court, and I think they’ll be ready.”
