Hemingway used its vaunted 2-3 zone defense to set the tone and cruised to a 61-38 win over McCormick to claim its first 1A girls state championship in 20 years. The Tigers took a 14-8 lead at the end of one quarter after Jahshannah Wilson banked home a shot at the buzzer. The second quarter saw the Tigers extend the lead to 27-15 paced by Kelsey Washington and Diamond McFadden. The second half was pure Hemingway dominance. De'Ja Woodberry had 17 points to lead the way, Iresha Cooper chipped in 13 and Washington had 10.
It's the first state title for the Lady Tigers since 1993. "It brings us together it makes us one big family," head coach Chakaris Thomas said after the game about what the title means for the Hemingway community. "They love basketball, they love sports period. But I love them for all showing up and being here."
Hemingway finished second in its region to 2012 state champ Timmonsville, but split the regular season series and won the state semifinal against the Whirlwinds to reach the title game. The Lady Tigers finish with a 19-2 record.
