HOMER, Ga. — If defense is what ultimately wins championships, Banks County has to feel good about its chances in Class A Division 1.
The Lady Leopards dismantled Rabun County Tuesday night, 71-35, in the quarterfinals at Kandy Parks Court. They used a stifling pressure defense to force more than two dozen turnovers, including 12 steals, leading to 26 points.
The win pushed Banks County (24-5) into its second Final 4 in three seasons and just one more win from its second state championship game. But for first-year coach Jason Gibson, it will be his first trip to the semifinals after a half-dozen near misses at Jefferson.
“It’s a great feeling but I’m really just proud of everyone on this team,” he said moments after the clock ticked down on their 21st consecutive win.
The defense was the key, and the key turning point. They came in allowing just 39.1 points/game. They lowered that just a tad after Tuesday.
The upset-minded Lady Wildcats came out firing, using an early 5-0 run to take a 7-3. They led 13-9 late in the first quarter on Adelyn Thompson’s second 3-pointer of the period with 2:42 left.
But the Lady Leopards switched to a three-quarter court press and Rabun County had no answer. Banks County forced four turnovers over the next five Rabun possessions and closed out the quarter on a 12-0 run. Later, on the strength of 7 points from Reese Murphy, they extended the lead to 24-13 during the spurt.
Rabun County snapped its more than 4-minute long drought when Thompson hit her third triple of the half. But fueled by four more Lady Wildcat turnovers, Banks County used an 11-2 run to finish the half for a 39-20 lead.
Rabun County was held to just 7 points over the final 10:42 of the first half.
“We knew (Rabun) would be amped up, and they were,” Gibson said. “They jumped out on us pretty quick there. But our girls settled down.”
Banks County continued to press through the third quarter, forcing seven more Rabun turnovers. By the end of the period, the Lady Leopards led 52-26, with 20 of those coming directly off Rabun County miscues.
“I think that's the difference in the last couple of months. The girls have bought in and playing on both ends of the floor, playing for each other, playing really hard,” Gibson said. “We play our press a lot of different ways. At the end of the day, you know, we just want to keep constant pressure on the ball. I thought tonight our kids came to play.”
Banks County left no doubt, opening the third quarter on a 9-0 run with Reese Murphy, Ryleigh Murphy, and Ansley Moore all swiping at least one steal. The quarter would end on another Ryleigh Murphy steal and layup for a 52-26 lead.
Banks County will take on Model, who held off Lamar County on Tuesday, 34-31, on Friday at 5 p.m. at Georgia State College and University in Milledgeville.
Thompson and Addy Beth Owens each had 10 points to lead Rabun County, who was looking for its third straight road win in the playoffs.
