Scottsboro Cruises Past Vigor to Earn Spot in Class 5A Girls’ Championship Game 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Scottsboro Lady Wildcats are heading back to the Class 5A state championship, looking to capture the program’s first-ever basketball title. 

This is Scottsboro’s second consecutive trip to the state finals. The Wildcats are seeking redemption after falling short against Jasper in last year’s title game. 

Head coach Brandon Childers Lady Wildcats (28-5) dominated Vigor with a decisive 72-36 semifinal victory at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena on Wednesday. The Wildcats built an early lead, capitalized on turnovers, and pulled away with a commanding second-half performance. 

“Our speed wore them down,” said Childers. “We were able to secure layups and create separation in the second half.” 

 

Wildcats Dominate Second Half 

Scottsboro entered halftime with a 33-21 lead before hitting the gas in the third quarter. Caroline Dawson set the tone right after the break, scoring on a fastbreak layup just five seconds into the half. The Wildcats surged with a 7-0 run to extend their lead, eventually outscoring Vigor 41-15 in the second half. 

Vigor struggled under the Wildcats’ relentless defensive pressure, turning the ball over 27 times, leading to multiple transition opportunities for Scottsboro. 

“The pressure got to us,” admitted Vigor coach Andrea Powell. “The cameras, the lights, the moment—it was overwhelming.”

Standout Performances Fuel Scottsboro’s Victory 

Bree Sexton led the charge for Scottsboro, finishing with 24 points and five rebounds while hitting 9-of-19 from the field. Isabelle Nelson added a double-double, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and an impressive eight steals, narrowly missing a triple-double. Caroline Dawson chipped in with 10 points and several critical plays early in the game. 

“I want to give everything I have to finally get that blue map,” said Sexton, referencing Scottsboro’s goal of bringing a championship back to northeast Alabama. 

On the other side, Vigor’s Jamonica Chamber stood out with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks. Her teammate Jamonica Miller contributed eight points, four assists, and three steals. 

Scottsboro Eyes Redemption in Championship Game 

This will be Scottsboro’s second consecutive appearance in the state final after falling to Jasper last year. Unlike last season, head coach Brandon Childers believes his team is better prepared for the spotlight. 

“Last season, we weren’t expected to be there, and the pressure was new to us,” Childers explained. “Now, we have a higher level of confidence and focus.”

Scottsboro hopes to build on its dominant semifinal performance and finish with the program’s first girls basketball state title. 

Key Stats at a Glance 
  • Scottsboro Shooting: 42.5% from the field 
  • Vigor Shooting: 39.5% from the field 
  • Turnovers: Vigor committed 27, leading to 38 points for Scottsboro 
  • Rebounding: Scottsboro controlled the boards with a 41-26 advantage 
What’s Next? 

Scottsboro squares off against the No. 1 ranked Ramsay Lady Rams in the AHSAA Class 5A state championship at 9 a.m. Saturday at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.