©Vasha Hunt/al.com/TNS Players prepare to take the court during the Class 1A AHSAA Championship Game, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at BJCC Legacy Arena in Spring Gardens, Birmingham, Ala.Spring Garden makes a 3-pointer.
The Panthers' top three shooters have attempted more than 700 long-range shots, made 33 percent and led a high-scoring offense averaging more than 70 points per game, including 101 this season.
Spring Garden continued Thursday's AHSAA Class 1A girls state championship by making 36 shots from behind the arc in a 62-39 win over defending champion Marion County.
"Coach tells us to shoot good shooters, so keep shooting," said MVP ace Austin, who scored 33 points. We have to keep shooting until we hit a few.
The Panthers dominated 3-point shooting as they made 25 long-range shots, going 12-of-13 on 3-pointers as Marion County ran strong in the defensive zone.
©Vasha Hunt/al.com/TNS Marion County makes a three-pointer during the Class 1A AHSAA championship game, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Legacy Arena at BJCC.It wasn't the prettiest shooting for the Panthers (36-1), making nine 3-pointers in the game, but it was enough to match Marion County's 28 points on 24 shots.
©Vasha Hunt/al.com/TNS Marion County fans cheer on their team during the Class 1A AHSAA championship game Thursday, March 2, 2023, at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama."We turned the ball over too much," Marion County coach Sotheville said. Spring Garden is a great basketball team, they have a great coach and a great program.
Spring Garden coach Ricky Austin emphasized defense.
"A big part of this game is we keep making changes on turnovers," Ricky Austin said. We wanted more in the second half, we say defense isn't over until we have the ball.
Spring Garden won its eighth championship and appeared in its 11th title game. He won seven titles under Austin's leadership.
"We have been working for the state championship since the beginning of the year," said S. Austin. "We hear that 700 days have passed since we were in the region. We don't want to prolong it, because we are tired of listening.
©Vasha Hunt/al.com/TNS Rules Spring Garden's Khloe defeats Marion County's Lai Porsha Lipsey during the AHSAA Class 1A championship match at Legacy Arena at BJCC, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Birmingham.Fifth-ranked Marion County finished the season 20-14.
Star of the game. Spring Garden S Austin was named MVP, scoring 33 points on 10-21 shooting, 2-9 from 3-point range and 11-of-14 free throws and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. .
Stat Sheets. Spring Garden - Kelly Kirk 14 points, 4-9 3-pointers; Libby Brown nine points, two steals.
Marion County - Jasmine Wilson 13 points, five rebounds; Liportia Lipsi: 12 points, four rebounds.
By the numbers: Spring Garden - 19-of-51 (37.3 percent) shooting, 36-of-3 3-pointers, 15-of-23 free throws, 24 rebounds, nine assists, 16 steals.
Marion County - 17-of-33 (51.5 percent) shooting, 2-of-8 3-pointers, 3-of-6 free throws, 30 rebounds, eight assists, two steals.
"How can you not smile when you win the country, everyone should know that feeling," they say . - S. Austin from Spring Garden.
"It's hard not to laugh. I felt like I was dreaming." - Kelly Kirk, Spring Garden's only senior.
"I'm at a loss for words." - Spring Garden Libby Brown.
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Spring Garden was crowned the 2023 Girls 1A State Champions on Thursday, March 2, 2023, following the Class 1A AHSAA Championship Game at BJCC Legacy Arena.
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