JACKSON — After amassing an enviable 23-2 record and securing an MHSAA state quarterfinal win over Taylorsville, the Simmons High Devilettes’ (23-3, 8-0) season came to an end with a 37-28 loss to the Ingomar Falcons (35-1, 8-0) in Monday’s Class 1A state semifinal game.
By no means did one team enforce their will over the other as the first half went.
Turnovers were an equal opportunity culprit for both right up until one team was able to capitalize off of them offensively more than the other.
Rebounding, however, is where the Devilettes steadily held the upper hand and point guard play from senior Jamira Scott gave them an edge in the aspect of scoring and second chance pace throughout the game.
The Lady Falcons led 8-5 at the end of the first quarter with sophomore Akiah Prince and junior Aaliyah Esco contributing two field goals respectively in addition to a made free throw by Prince.
Sophomore Vontasia Rush opened up the second quarter with a three-pointer following a steal by Esco.
In the Devilettes’ ensuing possession, Prince’s persistence and dominance underneath the rim after a missed shot led to her drawing a none shooting foul.
A subsequent inbound pass to Prince for a field goal off the board put the Devilettes up 12-10 with 3:37 to go in the first half.
The Devilettes maintained a steady pace and physical defensive play, seizing rebound opportunities and led 16-12 at the end of the first half.
Coming out of the half, turnovers began to rear its ugly head as the Lady Falcons outscored the Devilettes 10-1 in the first three and half minutes of the third quarter.
By maintaining aggressiveness with driving to the rim, drawing fouls and rebounding, the Deviletts kept the scoring deficit manageable, but it just wasn’t enough to counter the offensive miscues that quickly piled up near the end of the third quarter.
The Lady Falcons outlasted and outscored the Devilettes in the fourth quarter despite their best efforts to seize the win and earn a spot in the Class 1A state championship game slated for Thursday.
