Lauderdale County Rolls Past T.R. Miller 57-48 in Class 3A Girls Semifinals

Defense Secures Victory Over T.R. Miller in Semifinals 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Lauderdale County High School girls’ basketball team is edging closer to breaking their title drought, advancing to the Class 3A championship game following a commanding 58-42 semifinal win over T.R. Miller. 

The Tigers (33-1), a historic powerhouse in Alabama girls’ basketball with a record 13 AHSAA state championships, haven’t secured a state title since 2016. With Friday’s championship game on the horizon, they have the opportunity to claim their 14th title. 

“A lot of people see it as a title drought,” said head coach Carla Clemons. “Our fans and community expect us to be here every year. … Now that we’re back, we’re focused on winning it all.” 

Tigers Dominant Defense Leads the Way 

Lauderdale County demonstrated exceptional defensive dominance, forcing 25 turnovers to stifle T.R. Miller’s offense. Four Tigers players—Shila Marks, Armani Thomas, Ansley Shelton, and Sarah Smith—each recorded at least three steals. 

“We understand that defense wins games,” Clemons added. “That’s how we secured this victory.” 

The defensive strategy included neutralizing T.R. Miller’s point guard Meg Fountain, who finished with just seven points on 2-of-10 shooting. “It was a smart move on their part,” Fountain acknowledged. 

Offensive Highlights 

Junior Shila Marks delivered an outstanding performance, leading Lauderdale County with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting and a team-high five steals. Armani Thomas contributed nine points, four assists, and four steals, while Sarah Smith added six points, seven rebounds, and five assists. 

For T.R. Miller (25-2), senior Jadin Curry posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Lyrik Hails added eight points. 

Up Next

Lauderdale County will compete for the Class 3A girls’ state championship on Friday at 12:30 p.m. They’ll face the winner of Tuesday’s other semifinal game between Sylvania (18-14) and Saint James School (33-2). 

“This is the grittiest team we’ve had—maybe ever at Lauderdale County,” Clemons said. “They play as a team. They’re not concerned with who gets the credit.” 

The Tigers’ determination and teamwork will now be put to the test as they aim to bring home their first state title in seven years

FEATURED IMAGE: Lauderdale County’s Ansley Shelton (11) drives past a T.R. Miller defender in Tuesday morning’s Class 3A girls’ semifinals at Legacy Arena.
(AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)