Ace Austin Leads Spring Garden Girls to Class 1A Final with Triple-Double Performance

February 24, 2025

Ace Austin Leads Spring Garden to State Championship Game with Triple-Double Performance

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Ace Austin delivered an outstanding performance in the Class 1A state semifinal game Monday, posting 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead Spring Garden to an 81-34 victory over R.C. Hatch.

The Alabama basketball signee cherished one specific aspect of her triple-double. “I don’t really care about points. I care about my assists,” Austin said. “I’m just glad I’ve had teammates in the past years by my side and able to finish the shots.”

The No. 1 Panthers, powered by 24 team assists, dominated the game and secured their spot in the championship matchup against Brilliant. Spring Garden jumped to a remarkable 32-8 lead in the first quarter, with Austin scoring 17 points in just eight minutes. She finished the game shooting 11-for-18 from the field, including 5-for-9 from beyond the arc.

Austin, a senior and leader for the Panthers, promised her dad and head coach, Ricky Austin, that she and the team would make multiple runs to Birmingham during her high school career. Now chasing their third consecutive state title, the Panthers continue to deliver on that promise.

To reach the state semifinals, Spring Garden had to overcome No. 3 Winterboro and No. 2 Ider in the Northeast Regional. Austin praised her teammates for their resilience and effort throughout the season.

R.C. Hatch was led offensively by Breoynce Myers, who scored 12 points, and Demerria Bates, who added 10.

Final Stats

Spring Garden

Olivia Law contributed 19 points, shooting 8-for-13, while adding 3 assists and 3 rebounds.
Maggie Jarrett recorded 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Lacie McMurray added 6 points.
The Panthers shot an efficient 28-for-56 from the field.

R.C. Hatch

Tori Billingsley grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds.
Jakobia Ross added 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Moeisha Myers chipped in with 2 assists and 2 rebounds.

Spring Garden showcased its strength and depth, securing a comfortable win and advancing to the Class 1A state championship game. The Panthers are set to face Brilliant as they aim to clinch their third straight title.