Trinity Presbyterian Downs Plainview to Claim Back-to-Back Class 3A Girls Hoops Titles
Birmingham, AL – The Trinity Presbyterian Lady Wildcats clinched their second consecutive AHSAA Class 3A girls’ hoops title, overcoming a determined Plainview Bears squad, 48-40. The thrilling faceoff, which took place Friday at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena, saw the Wildcats assert dominance before withstanding a fierce Bears comeback bid.
Leading the charge for the Wildcats, with an impressive 15 points, was Maddie Smith, who took home the Class 3A state tourney MVP. Her remarkable effort didn’t stop there—she added four steals and a couple of assists to her tally. Her teammates, Francie Morris and Mya Moskowitz, contributed substantially with 13 and 11 points, respectively, coupled with a combined 13 rebounds and six assists. Despite the offensive numbers, Wildcats’ head coach Blake Smith praised their defensive prowess, expressing his astonishment at the lack of widespread collegiate interest in the talented trio.
@TPSAthletics1 wins the 3A State Girls Basketball Championship 48-40 over Plainview!! pic.twitter.com/uSV1wh73KC
— AHSAA (@AHSAAUpdates) March 1, 2024
The game seemed all but decided as the Wildcats opened the second half with a relentless 13-0 run, leaving Plainview scoreless for over eight minutes. This formidable period solidified a 23-point lead. However, Plainview’s resilience came to the fore when Gracie Rowell broke their scoring drought with a crucial 3-pointer. Despite trailing 40-20 after that basket, the Bears, coached by Luke Griggs, managed to narrow the gap to just eight points in the final period.
Rowell emerged as a beacon of hope for Plainview, tallying 19 points with a commendable 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Kamie Sanders also made her presence felt by notching a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Despite their valiant efforts the Bears couldn’t erase the Wildcats’ lead.
The victory marks a historic moment for Trinity Presbyterian, which had not savored the taste of a state girls’ basketball championship victory prior to their triumph last season. They now exit the Magic City basking in the glory of a second consecutive Blue Map.
Hear from Coach Blake Smith from @TPSAthletics1 following his teams victory in the 3A Girls State Championship Game pic.twitter.com/kkUpmFDSwk
— AHSAA (@AHSAAUpdates) March 1, 2024
As the 2024 state finals progress, anticipation builds with more championship games unfolded on Friday for Classes 3A and 4A, while the Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A are set to conclude the state tourney on Saturday.
The Wildcats’ victory is further commemorated with the honors of the CLASS 3A GIRLS’ ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM, which includes standout players Maddie Smith, Mya Moskowitz, and Francie Morris from Trinity Presbyterian, alongside Kami Sanders and Sawyer Kate Hulgan from Plainview, and Tay Tay Farrar from Clements.
Click here to check out schedules and scores from the 2024 AHSAA State Finals.
