Rabun Girls Historic Season Comes To An End, Falling To Elbert In State Championship

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Photo from @kylesandy_355 on Twitter

 

Macon, Ga- It was a battle between Wildcats and Devils in the GHSA AA State Title game in Macon yesterday, as Rabun County took on Elbert County for all the marbles.

Heading into yesterday’s matchup, the two teams had already faced each other 3 times in the regular season and region tournament, with Rabun getting the better of Elbert two games to one. The Blue Devils got the last laugh however, winning their first ever state championship by a score of 52-44.

The saying “Defense Wins Championships” rang true yesterday, as Elbert County’s tight defense held the Wildcats to an 11-46 (23%) shooting night from the field. Mix in 13 missed free throws and 56 total fouls, and Rabun County was never able to mount a comeback after they fell behind in the First.

Things looked good for the Cats out of the gate, as Sarah-Kate Roberson nailed a 3 to give her team a 7-3 lead. But Elbert County’s Niya Moon answered back and sparked a 8-2 run to end the quarter for the Lady Devils. After being down 12-9 to start the second quarter, Rabun was able to string together a couple baskets and regain a 13-12 lead over Elbert, but that would be the last time the led for the remainder of the game. Another run for Elbert allowed them to head into halftime up 25-19.

Elbert’s lead grew to thirteen near the end of the third quarter, but Elberts Terrace Hester was whistled for a technical foul- which led to Elbert Head Coach Josh Jones being T’d up as well. Rabun would then go on an 8-0 run to end the third and get within striking distance, but still trailing 39-35.

The fourth quarter was all Elbert, as they outscored Rabun 13-9 in the final period and hung on to win their first ever state championship. Elbert will be poised to run the table again next year, as all but one member of their roster will return to the court for the 2022-2023 season. Aaniyah Allen and Niyah Moon were the leading scorers for the Blue Devils, posting 17 and 14 points a piece.

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