FINAL 4: Holy Innocent 52 Hebron 48

You think a 30-0 Hebron Christian girls' basketball team with a very experienced coach could stop our Lady Bears from a seventh straight state championship bid?
 
Think again.
 
In a battle where the lead changed hands several times – particularly in the second half – a late free throw by Jillian Hollingshead helped ice Coach Nichole Dixon & Company's 52-48 win over Hebron, and with it yet another trip to Macon to the state finals – no directions required.
 
HI will face St. Francis, winners over Wesleyan in the other semifinal, Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Macon Coliseum.  
 
After Hollingshead hit the first of two at the charity stripe, Hebron ended with the ball under their basket with 12 seconds left. A shot from the corner clanged off the rim, and HI – state champs last year – will now battle for their fourth Georgia title in school history come Wednesday.
 
The Bears led 14-7 after a quarter; were ahead by three at half but went into the final frame down by a point. 
 
Hollingshead again was at the top of the stat sheet – the junior scored 20 points while pulling eight rebounds. Charlsie Birkel added nine points; Naja Reeves scored eight and had three steals; Olivia Hutcherson scored four points and pulled four rebounds; Jada Farrell scored four with five boards; and Cierra Foster netted two points. 
 
Hope to see you in Macon Wednesday. If not, pull out your streaming devices and send the Lady Bears championship vibes once again.
 
Let's do this! 
Credit: Dunn Neugebauer