Scottsboro Edges Ramsay 54-53 to Claim First Class 5A Girls State Title
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Scottsboro High School secured its first-ever Class 5A girls state basketball championship with a thrilling 54-53 victory over Ramsay at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The Wildcats, led by tournament MVP Isabella Nelson, avenged last year’s heartbreaking championship game loss to Jasper by defeating the top-ranked Ramsay Rams.
Key Moments
Bree Sexton, who missed a last-second shot in last season’s finale, scored the game-winning bucket with a driving layup with 1:21 on the clock. Sexton finished with 15 points and four steals, saying, “I just felt like we were going to win it this year. If we kept up the fight, there was no reason we could lose.”
Scottsboro started strong, building an 11-point lead in the second quarter and holding a 30-28 advantage at the half. Ramsay stormed back in the third quarter, gaining a seven-point lead. However, the Wildcats responded with an 8-0 run to tie the game at 43-43, eventually recapturing the lead after Nelson’s go-ahead layup with 5:26 remaining.
The final moments were intense. With Ramsay trailing 54-52, Mayliyah Green went to the free throw line with 5.5 seconds left. She missed her first free throw but made the second, cutting Scottsboro’s lead to 54-53. Ramsay couldn’t capitalize in the final seconds, as the ball bounced loose until the buzzer sounded.
Standout Performances
- Isabella Nelson (Scottsboro): 13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Her leadership and double-double performance earned her the Class 5A tournament MVP honor.
- Bree Sexton (Scottsboro): 15 points, 4 steals, including the decisive layup late in the game.
- Morgan Perkins (Scottsboro): 11 points, 4 assists, and solid team play that contributed to a balanced Wildcats offense.
For Ramsay, Nayla Wesley shined, recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocked shots. Teammates McKenzie Davis (14 points) and Camilyah Rowe (9 points, 10 rebounds) also delivered strong performances for the Rams.
Coach and Player Reactions
Scottsboro head coach Brandon Childers praised his team’s resilience. “Gosh, I’m just so proud of the girls. We worked so hard for this. We came so close last year, and it feels great to finish the job.”
Ramsay’s head coach Jarvis Wilson, in his first season with the team, voiced his pride in his players despite the loss. “It just hurts so bad right now. But only us and God know how hard we worked to get here.” Wilson has now guided four different schools to the state basketball tournament, including Ramsay’s first finals appearance since 2007.
Key Statistics
- Scottsboro shot 37.9% overall, 24.1% from three-point range, and dominated the paint with a 30-22 scoring edge.
- Ramsay shot 41.3% overall, 50% from three-point range, but committed 20 turnovers that led to 15 points for Scottsboro.
All-Tournament Team
- Scottsboro: Isabella Nelson (MVP), Bree Sexton, Morgan Perkins
- Ramsay: Nayla Wesley, McKenzie Davis, Mayliyah Green
Historic Win for the Lady Cats
Scottsboro’s 29-5 season ended in historic fashion, earning the program its first state championship. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Wildcats, who overcame last year’s disappointing runner-up finish to bring the title home to Jackson County.
