Brooke O’Mary Sparks Brilliant to Historic Win Over McIntosh in Class 1A Semifinals 

Brilliant Girls Reach First-Ever State Championship Game 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Brooke O’Mary, a junior standing just 4-foot-11, secured two critical rebounds in overtime to push the Brilliant Lady Tigers past McIntosh 54-51 in the Class 1A girls’ state semifinals on Monday at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. 

O’Mary’s pivotal moment came with 39.7 seconds left in overtime when she grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a layup, giving the Tigers a 53-51 lead. “I was just happy I made that layup,” O’Mary said modestly. 

Moments later, O’Mary hauled in a defensive rebound with 12.3 seconds remaining after a missed McIntosh shot. Fouled immediately, she sank one of two free throws to secure Brilliant’s lead and ultimately the victory. The win advances Brilliant (23-11) to the state championship game for the first time in program history. 

O’Mary’s crucial contributions weren’t limited to overtime. Late in regulation, with the game tied 39-39, she drew a charge that disrupted a 2-on-1 McIntosh fast break. “It kind of hurt,” O’Mary admitted. “She came at me. I figured I might as well take it. I’m glad I was able to get down there in time.” 

Brilliant head coach Ryan Sanderson praised O’Mary’s relentless effort, saying, “She puts everything into it. I wish everyone could go watch Brooke O’Mary play basketball. It’s the heart. She leaves it all on the floor. She is a big part of this team.” 

The teams were evenly matched throughout the game, heading into overtime tied at 44-44. Macy Moore’s 3-pointer to open overtime gave Brilliant the lead, which they held until the final buzzer. 

McIntosh’s Chauncey Dixon had a stellar performance, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, seven steals, five blocks, and four assists. Marley Dixon contributed 10 points for the Demons, who ended their season at 25-7. McIntosh, last crowned champions in 2012, fell just short of returning to the title game. 

For Brilliant, Hadlee Sanderson led the scoring with 17 points, while Moore added 14 points and four assists. O’Mary rounded out the Tiger’s top contributors with 11 points, six steals, four rebounds, and three assists, playing all 36 minutes of the game. 

Brilliant is set to face either Spring Garden (34-1) or R.C. Hatch (25-3) in the championship game on Thursday at 4 p.m. “We made some plays late,” Coach Sanderson reflected. “Our girls came to play today, and now they’re playing for a state championship on Thursday. I couldn’t be prouder.” 

Brilliant’s historic win unites their community and exemplifies teamwork, grit, and determination as they chase their first state title.

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