Williams’ 3-pointer lifts Sonoraville to season-saving win
The Sonoraville Lady Phoenix had their back against the wall on Monday night in the first round of the Region 6-AAA Tournament at Calhoun, and it was their lone senior they turned to for a dramatic season-extending, game-winning shot.
Sonoraville’s Cortney Williams drained a 3-pointer as time expired to give her team a 44-41 victory over Murray County and a chance to play another day.
Sonoraville (7-19) advanced to play North Murray on Wednesday with the winner advancing to the region semifinals and earning a State Tourney berth. The Lady Phoenix have been to the state tournament each of the last four seasons.
The game was tied 41-41 after Murray County split a pair of free throws, and the Lady Phoenix grabbed the rebound and called timeout with 6.4 seconds to play. On the inbound, Sonoraville’s Grace Darnell received the pass, dribbled up the court, found Williams behind the three-point line, and the senior pulled up and slashed the net as the buzzer sounded.
“When I made it, a rush just went through me,” said Williams of the shot. “I was worried coming into the game because it could’ve been my last one. I’m not going to play in college so that could’ve been it for me. So when it came down to the end like that, I really wanted the ball and that shot.
“I’m so thankful for my team. We kept fighting today, and we need to do that again on Wednesday. We need to be ready to play and get another win so we can get move forward and get to play in the State Tournament.”
Williams finished with 11 points as one of three Lady Phoenix in double figures. Sonoraville coach Stephanie Caudell said she was happy to see Williams get to take and make a shot like that.
“I feel great for her,” said Caudell. “She’s our only leader and she’s been such a great leader this year. Sometimes it’s not easy when you’re the only senior on a young team, but she’s done a great job. For her to take that shot and make it, I’m so proud of her.
“As far as emotions, it was a little bit of excitement and relief once I saw it go in. Everyone knows it’s do-or-die here at the region tournament, and everyone gives their best shot. You just want to survive and advance, and you never know what’s going to happen.”
Leading the Lady Phoenix in scoring was Maliyah Parks with 15. Harleigh Chastain added 10.
The game was tight throughout with neither team holding more than a fourpoint lead in the second or third quarter. It was tied 7-7 after one, 16-16 after two, and Sonoraville took a slim 27-26 lead into the fourth.
Sonoraville looked to take control by starting the final quarter on an 8-0 run to push their lead to nine, but Murray County battled right back with 9-0 run to tie it thanks to backto-back 3-pointers and three big free throws. From there, the lead went back-and-forth six times over the final four minutes of the game before William’s dramatic game-winner.
“I think we played hard in that second half, but both teams did,” said Caudell. “I felt good about our lead in the fourth, but I didn’t feel comfortable. They have players that can step up and make big 3s, and they did that. We could’ve easily let that one get away from us after they came back to tie it, but we didn’t. I’m proud of that. With a young team, this is one earlier in the year that could’ve gotten away from us. But the girls made the plays they needed to and responded to the situation. We need to make a few more free throws down the stretch, but I was proud that we found a way.”
Katie Ashe led Murray County (6-18) with 13 points in the season-ending loss. Ciarra Hatton added nine.