Submitted by Alabama High School Athletic Association (Photo by Marla Jones | Southern Torch)
BIRMINGHAM – Defending state champion Pisgah jumped out to an 18-point lead by halftime and then staved off T.R. Miller’s strong comeback effort as the Eagles won their third Class 3A state title in a row with 59-52 win at the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at the BJCC Legacy Arena Friday afternoon.
Pisgah (31-3), which graduated eight seniors from the 2019 3A state championship team, used some solid outside shooting and sure-handed play by its guards to seal the 2020 state crown. Chloe Womack had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles, coached by Carey Ellison. The 5-foot-8 senior had one 3-pointer. Sophomore Molly Heard sank two of Pisgah’s seven 3-point goals and finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Freshman guard Kallie Tinker finished with 10 points, four rebounds, made two 3-pointers and dished out three assists.
T.R. Miller (28-2), coached by Ronald Jackson, was paced by Aleria Smith’s 14 points and 12 rebounds. Raivon Ewing had 12 points and nine rebounds and Ja’Nazsia Nettles contributed nine points. The loss snapped a 16-game winning streak.
Ellison, who has coached Pisgah to six of its eight state titles, won the 625th game of his coaching career with the championship game victory. He is now 625-155 with state championships in 1997, 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019 and now, 2020. T.R. Miller’s Jackson has guided the Tigers to four state crowns (1995, 1996, 2002 and 2009).
Friday’s championship day schedule concludes with 4A girls’ title game at 4 p.m. featuring Deshler and Anniston, and the 4A boys’ championship at 5:45 featuring defending state champion Talladega versus Williamson. Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A conclude the 2020 state tournament with girls’ and boys’ championships Saturday.