Moody Girls Stun Undefeated Charles Henderson, Advances to First 5A State Final
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Moody High School Blue Devils achieved a historic victory Wednesday night, handing the previously undefeated Charles Henderson Trojans their first and only loss of the season. In a thrilling Class 5A semifinal showdown at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena, Moody secured a 59-51 win to earn its first-ever trip to the AHSAA State Basketball Championship final.
The Blue Devils (21-12) will now face the formidable, second-ranked Guntersville Wildcats for the state title on Saturday at 9 a.m.
A True Team Victory
Moody’s performance was a showcase of resilience and balanced scoring, ending Charles Henderson’s perfect 29-0 run. The Blue Devils set the tone early, building a 29-22 lead by halftime and extending it to 13 points in the third quarter.
“This is the most team win we’ve had all season,” a jubilant Moody coach Rebecca Davis said after the game. “This is a dream come true.”
The victory was powered by a trio of impressive offensive efforts. Freshman Aleigha Rhetta led the charge with a team-high 20 points and five rebounds. Fellow freshman Sophie White was clutch from the free-throw line, finishing with 16 points, while sophomore standout Serenity Rutledge added 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists before fouling out late in the game. Gianna Davis was a force on the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds for the Blue Devils.
Trojans’ Valiant Effort Falls Short
The Charles Henderson Trojans (29-1) fought relentlessly to protect their perfect record. Despite trailing, they mounted a significant comeback in the final quarter. A late three-pointer from Harmony Hubbard cut Moody’s lead to just three points, 54-51, with only 43 seconds left on the clock.
However, foul trouble proved to be the Trojans’ undoing. Four key players, including leading scorer Caia Campbell and Hubbard, fouled out of the contest. Campbell finished with a game-high 21 points, and Hubbard contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.
The depleted roster struggled to close the gap in the final moments, and Moody sealed the historic win by scoring the game’s final five points. The matchup was intensely physical, setting a new AHSAA girls’ postseason record with a combined 59 free-throw attempts.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted,” said Charles Henderson coach Thad Frazier. “That’s the way it falls sometimes. It’s basketball. We’ll get back to work. We’ll be back.”
Key Performances
Moody Blue Devils
- Aleigha Rhetta: The freshman led all Moody scorers with 20 points, shooting an efficient 9-for-12 from the field.
- Sophie White: The freshman guard showed poise, scoring 16 points and going 12-for-18 from the free-throw line. Her ball-handling was critical after Rutledge fouled out.
- Serenity Rutledge: The versatile sophomore filled the stat sheet with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, providing leadership from the bench in the final minutes.
Charles Henderson Trojans
- Caia Campbell: The junior star put up 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a hard-fought effort.
- Harmony Hubbard: Added 12 points and 9 rebounds, hitting crucial three-pointers to keep the Trojans in the game.
Path to the Championship
The win continues a remarkable year for Moody High School athletics. Rutledge was the quarterback for the school’s Class 1A-5A girls’ flag football state championship team, and the boys’ football team won the Class 5A state title in December.
The Blue Devils now turn their attention to the ultimate prize. Their journey to the final included key playoff victories over Lincoln, Northside, and Springville. They face their toughest test yet in the Guntersville Wildcats, who will be waiting for them in the 5A championship game. The stage is set for a compelling conclusion to the Alabama high school basketball season.
FEATURED IMAGE: David Holtsford | AHSAA Photo
