2024 State FinalsAHSAAGirl's BasketballGood Hope Red RaidersT.R. Miller Tigers

Good Hope Lady Raiders Claim First State Title, Ends T.R. Miller Coach’s Storied Career

March 2, 2024

Birmingham, AL – Good Hope High School’s Lady Raiders established a new legacy by securing their inaugural state championship while concluding a remarkable chapter for T.R. Miller head coach Ron Jackson in the process. Overcoming an early challenge, the Raiders clinched a 63-35 win over the Tigers in the Class 4A girls’ state basketball championship at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena Friday afternoon.

“It’s definitely a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” remarked Good Hope senior Heather Tetro amidst celebrations of the Raiders’ historic victory.

Despite Good Hope’s initial sluggish performance, the Raiders, led by coach Justin Aby and sporting a robust 33-2 record on the season, quickly regained their defensive intensity. The shift in their gameplay led to a 27-19 halftime advantage, paving the way for a decisive, 28-point margin that underscored their dominance.

Good Hope wins the 4A Girls State Basketball Championship 63-35 over TR Miller pic.twitter.com/s7UTPLSZuP
— AHSAA (@AHSAAUpdates) March 1, 2024

The Tigers (26-4), initially kept pace and matched the Good Hope press but found themselves overwhelmed as the Raiders amplified their full-court pressure. “They had a little more depth that we did,” Jackson said. “It’s tough to go out and play 32 minutes with the kind of play we played against tonight and come out victorious.”

Jackson, inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, bids farewell to the hardwood with an impressive 1,048-343 career record and state titles in 1995, 1996, 2002 and 2009, as well as runner-up finishes in 2004, 2020 and 2024 .His T.R. Miller program won 62 straight games in the mid-1990s. Jackson also led Monroe County to the school’s only girls’ basketball state title in 1985. Reflecting on the game and his career, he expressed pride in his team’s effort, acknowledging their commitment to the sport and his legacy.

Several Red Raiders shined throughout the tournament, with Bailey Tetro honored as the MVP after a stellar performance that included 17 points and seven steals. Teammates Ivey Maddox and Ava McSwain made significant contributions, scoring 20 and 12 points respectively.

The successful campaign is a testament to Coach Aby’s effective leadership, which elevated the Raiders’ standing among Class 4A’s elite over the past four seasons. After a resounding victory over defending state champions Prattville Christian in the semifinals, the Raiders showcased their prowess, ambition, and skill in the climactic final matchup.

Hear from Coach Justin Aby from #GoodHope following his teams victory in the 4A State Championship Game pic.twitter.com/QCX1u1OWTT
— AHSAA (@AHSAAUpdates) March 1, 2024

With this championship win, Aby’s impressive coaching record at Good Hope improves to 134-31. Reflecting on his team’s achievements with a hint of humor he shared, “My wife, she keeps me humble,” Aby chuckled. “She constantly tells me even she could win a championship game with this team.”

Click here to check out schedules and scores from the 2024 AHSAA State Finals.

T.R. Miller’s Meg Fountain, led the Tigers with 10 points in the final. Despite the loss, the motto ‘Leave it all on the floor’ was embodied by the Tigers’ resolute performance, aligning with Jackson’s praise of their unwavering dedication.

CLASS 4A GIRLS’ ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: