Ramsay’s Balanced Attack Propels Them Past Marbury to State 5A Girls Finals 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Camilyah Rowe led the Ramsay Lady Rams with 23 points, as the home town squad secured a 65-53 win over Marbury in the Class 5A girls’ state semifinal during the AHSAA State Basketball Championships in the Magic City.. The game, held at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena, showcased a dynamic team effort, with four Ramsay players scoring in double figures.

Key to the Ram’s victory was a standout performance by Nayla Wesley, who recorded a rare triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and six steals. Kayden May contributed 16 points, and McKenzie Davis added 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

“We still haven’t had our best game yet,” Rowe said, reflecting on her efficient 11-for-13 shooting night, complemented by six rebounds and three steals. “I know I’ve got to come through for my team.”

Ramsay’s Road to the Finals

The win advances Ramsay (29-7), led by first-year head coach Jarvis Wilson, to the championship game on Saturday, where they will take on Scottsboro, who defeated Vigor in the other semifinal. The Rams are aiming to claim their first state title since 2007, after having won four consecutive blue maps from 2004 to 2007.

“This team hasn’t been on this stage before,” Coach Wilson said. “It takes hard work and discipline to make it this far. I’ve told them there’s no magic dust—it’s all about buying into the process, and that’s exactly what they’ve done.”

Semifinal Recap

Ramsay took an early 14-3 lead but struggled at the charity stripe, going 0-for-11 in the first half. This allowed Marbury (20-7) to claw back, cutting the deficit to 31-28 at the break. In the second half, Ramsay found their offensive rhythm, shooting 54% from the field and dominating the third quarter 17-9 to pull ahead.

Coach Wilson acknowledged the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, particularly at the free throw line, where the Rams finished just 5-for-21. “When you get to this stage, the small details matter,” he said. “Today was a wake-up call about the importance of free throws and a sense of urgency.”

Top Performers 

Rowe’s stellar performance was supported by her teammates’ contributions, notably Wesley’s versatile play on both ends of the court. “She gave us second chances with her rebounding and set the tone for our fast breaks,” Wilson said of Wesley.

For Marbury, Gabrielle Brown stood out with 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting, along with six rebounds. Marbury coach Reginald Brown spoke proudly of his team’s resolve, particularly their six seniors who completed their high school careers with a deep playoff run. “Reaching this stage is an accomplishment many players never experience,” he said. “I couldn’t be more appreciative of their effort and dedication.”

 

Key Stats
  • Ramsay Highlights: Shot 28-of-57 (49%) from the field, scored 46 points in the paint, and forced 20 turnovers, leading to 20 points. 
  • Marbury Highlights: Shot 21-of-51 (41%) from the field and outrebounded Ramsay 36-33.

Despite their shooting struggles at the free throw line, Ramsay’s athleticism and defensive intensity sealed the victory.

Looking Ahead

With the championship game on the horizon, Ramsay looks to sharpen their game. “We need to be better at converting free throws and staying disciplined,” Wilson said. “But we’re confident, and the girls are ready for the challenge ahead.”

The Rams will face the Scottsboro Wildcats on Saturday at 9 a.m. in their quest to bring another blue map back to the Magic City. 

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