By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Collinsville’s Lady Panthers (28-3) opened its Class 2A semifinal game with five 3-point goals  Monday afternoon and then turned to its defense to G.W. Long to just two points in the third quarter en route to a 52-39 win. The victory sends Coach Jon Tide more’s team into the Class 2A state finals Friday morning at 9 am.

The game opened Class 2A play at the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at the BJCC Legacy Arena Monday.

Maggie McKinney, Hadley Hamilton, and Brittany Rivera combined with two 3-points each to since 6-f-10 for the game. The quick start opened up quick 12-2 lead and forced Coach Jody Hughes’ Rebels (26-6) to face an uphill battle the rest of the way.

Rivera led Collinsville with 12 points – sinking all five shots from the field. Tyla Tatum and Hamilton added 10 points each. Hamilton grabbed team-high nine rebounds, Rivera and Tatum had seven each. Hamilton also had four assists.

Makenna Long led the Rebels with 17 points and Mary Beth Long had eight. Her six rebounds led G.W. Long, which lost the rebound battle 34-21.

The win sends Collinsville into its first-ever state girls’ basketball final. G.W. Long, which won the Class 2A state volleyball title last fall and the Class 2A state softball crown last spring, has no reached the state semifinals in basketball two years in a row.

The Lady Panthers play Cold Springs on Friday, February 28 at 9 am.