Park Crossing Defeats Hazel Green in Double Overtime to Advance to 6A Girls Title Game

Park Crossing ends Hazel Green’s 7-year reign with a dramatic 56-54 win.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Park Crossing High School’s Saniya Jackson capped off a thrilling performance by sinking the game-winning free throws with just 2.9 seconds left in double overtime, securing a 56-54 victory over Hazel Green in the Class 6A girls’ basketball semifinals at the BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The victory ended Hazel Green’s unprecedented streak of seven consecutive state championships and advanced the Thunderbirds to their first-ever Class 6A state final.

Jackson’s Heroics Propel Thunderbirds to Victory

Saniya Jackson was the star of the game, scoring 30 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding six steals and four assists. When the pressure was highest, Jackson delivered, scoring the Thunderbirds’ final nine points in double overtime, including the crucial free throws that sealed the win.

“I knew my team needed me, and I was ready to do whatever it took to get us to the championship,” Jackson said.

Baeder’s Clutch Shot Forces Overtime

The game appeared all but over when Hazel Green’s Kristen Johnson went to the free-throw line with a 41-38 lead and just 9.7 seconds left in regulation. However, two missed free throws gave Park Crossing one last chance.

Thunderbirds coach Freeah Smith made a bold move, bringing Reagan Baeder off the bench to attempt a 3-pointer. With Hazel Green’s defense focusing on Jackson, Baeder found herself open in the right corner and drained the game-tying shot—her only points of the game. The buzzer-beater sent the game to overtime and ignited the Park Crossing crowd.

“That moment was probably the best of my life,” Smith said. “We had full confidence in Reagan, and she delivered.”

Battling Through Double Overtime

Park Crossing and Hazel Green traded points throughout the two tense overtime periods. After being tied 45-45 following the first overtime, Hazel Green opened the second overtime with a four-point lead. Jackson then took over, tying the game at 49-49 and later converting a three-point play with 1:24 remaining to level the score at 52-all.

With less than a minute left, Jackson rebounded her own missed shot and converted a putback to give Park Crossing a 54-52 lead. Hazel Green’s Johnson tied it up with two free throws, setting the stage for Jackson’s decisive free throws in the closing seconds.

A New Chapter for Park Crossing

The victory marked a monumental achievement for Park Crossing, giving the program its first-ever chance to compete for a state title. The Thunderbirds (33-1) will face the Chelsea Hornets in Saturday’s championship game. 

Coach Smith lauded her team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. “We always believed we could do this. Even though others doubted us, we stayed focused and played with heart,” Smith said.

Hazel Green’s Historic Streak Ends

For Hazel Green, the loss marked the end of an era. The Trojans, coached by Tim Miller, had won every Class 6A state title since 2018 and held a record-breaking 87-game win streak during their dominance. Despite the loss, Miller reflected proudly on his team’s effort and resilience.

“It was a great high school basketball game,” Miller said. “Both teams had their chances, and Park Crossing made the plays when they needed to. I’m proud of our girls for fighting until the very end.”

By the Numbers

• Park Crossing: Shot 18-for-74 from the field and 17-for-28 from the free-throw line. The Thunderbirds dominated second-chance points, outscoring Hazel Green 21-8 in that category, and capitalized on turnovers with a 16-7 advantage in points.
• Hazel Green: Shot 18-for-45 from the field and 17-for-28 at the line. Kristen Johnson led the Trojans with 21 points, and Madison Eddings contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Looking Ahead

With their victory, Park Crossing has the opportunity to make history by claiming their first AHSAA girls’ state basketball title. Saturday’s showdown with Chelsea promises to be another exciting chapter in what has already been a remarkable season for the Thunderbirds.