For the second year in a row, the Morgan County girls basketball team has advanced to the Elite Eight round of the state playoffs.
Two weeks ago, the Lady Dogs won the Region 4-2A championship and entered the postseason as the No. 5 overall seed out of a 32-team bracket. Last week, they began their quest to win the Class 2A state title.
Morgan County’s girls defeated Drew Charter and Westside Macon last week to advance to the Elite Eight.
“These last two games, our girls have really kept their composure, fought hard, and bought into the process of what we’re trying to accomplish when we step on the court. They’ve been doing a much better job,” Morgan County third-year coach Milfred Franklin said. “They seem to be playing a lot more freely and relaxed. They’re not letting the atmosphere or the type of game we’re involved in get the better of them.”
Morgan County defeated No. 28 Drew Charter 64-31 in the first round on Feb. 19. The Lady Dogs got a great effort from junior Cydney Burke, who scored a team-high 22 points, followed by senior Jaden Young with 17.
Morgan County returned to action on Feb. 22 and faced No. 21 Westside (Macon), a familiar opponent. During the regular season, the Lady Dogs had already beaten the Lady Seminoles twice and did for a third time last week.
Morgan County defeated Westside 70-54 behind another strong performance from Burke and Young. Burke scored 16 points, and Young added 12. The Lady Dogs also had some productivity come from the rest of their starters. Madison Holcomb scored nine points, while Kymora Smith and Victoria Snow each added eight.
Franklin is grateful to have players like Burke, Smith, and Young, the team’s top three leading scorers, on his roster.
“Having veteran-type players like them helps us a lot because they’ve been before,” Franklin said. “Their basketball IQ and composure about themselves really spreads among their teammates when things get shaky.”
Franklin hopes Burke, Smith, Young, and others step up in the Elite Eight matchup against No. 20 Carver Columbus (18-10) on Tuesday.
The Lady Tigers recently upset No. 4 Tattnall County 43-38 in the second round. They’re led by senior All-Region selections Kaiden Cooper and Trinity Walker, who are also the team’s leading scorers.
Franklin has scouted Carver and knows this matchup will be challenging. He said his team hadn't seen an opponent this fast.
“Carver is a team that traps all over the floor,” he said. “They’re a team that's very athletic and fast. We must keep our composure and anticipate their speed because we haven’t encountered any speed like this before.”
Morgan County and Carver Columbus will tip off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.