The Morgan County girls basketball team captured the Region 2-2A championship for the second consecutive season with a hard-fought 36-34 victory over Westside (Macon) on Feb. 20.
The Lady Dogs hosted the Region 2-2A tournament and advanced to the championship game after edging Callaway by one point in the semifinals on Feb. 19. The title matchup marked the third meeting of the season between Morgan County and Westside and resulted in the Lady Dogs’ lone win over the Lady Seminoles this year.
Head coach Milfred Franklin said the team’s ability to handle adversity was a key factor throughout the tournament run, especially in tight, pressure-filled moments.
“I thought my girls were very well mentally prepared for our last few games, and it showed,” Franklin said. “We’ve had several tight games, tough plays, and atmospheres really against us, and those situations helped them mature and understand how to keep a level head in games like this.”
Morgan County controlled the pace for much of the contest before the fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Both teams exchanged baskets late, and the game was tied at 34-34 with 30 seconds remaining. Senior guard Cydney Burke stepped to the free-throw line and calmly knocked down two shots to seal the championship victory.
Franklin pointed to the Lady Dogs’ narrow 38-37 win the night before as an “eye-opening experience,” but credited his team for staying mentally focused despite the physical and emotional toll of back-to-back close games.
“We had a few mental lapses, which is understandable, but for the most part, I just want to make sure they stay locked in for the entire game,” Franklin said. “One play here and one play there can turn the tide.”
After two previous losses to Westside during the regular season, Franklin said he noticed significant adjustments from his team in the championship game. He described the earlier matchups as lopsided wins by the Lady Seminoles, with missed opportunities plaguing Morgan County—particularly in the second meeting.
“The first time we played them here, they won by six, which was a fairly close game,” Franklin said. “The second time, our bodies were in Macon, but our minds were still in Madison. We missed a lot of easy shots and came in a little too overconfident.”
One of the biggest differences between this season’s roster and last year’s, according to Franklin, is the team’s balanced scoring and versatility. He highlighted players such as Chloe Thompson and Miracle Ward for their ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
“When Chloe hits her jump shots, it opens everything up for everyone else,” Franklin said. “Miracle does a great job on the defensive end and is kind of our floor general. She keeps a level head and helps everybody else stay calm.”
Overall, Franklin credited the region championship to a complete team effort and continued growth throughout the season.
“So many girls can contribute in so many different ways,” he said. “That makes us even more dangerous, and I’m really proud of how this group continues to improve.”
Morgan County entered the Class 2A postseason as the No. 4 overall seed and faced No. 29 Franklin County on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Lady Lions upset the Lady Dogs 43-42 on Tuesday.
Morgan County’s season ended with a 20-8 overall record.