Randle grinds out win over Barbers Hill to reach state
The Randle and Barbers Hill girls basketball teams reached the Region III-5A championship game due in part to tenacious defensive pressure.
It made it difficult for either side to maintain possession, much less get off a clean shot, particularly in the second half.
Neither team pulled ahead by more than two possessions until a 3pointer by junior Alaysia Cook put Randle ahead by eight midway through the fourth quarter.
It was enough as the Lions worked through a frantic final four minutes for a 38-34 victory Saturday at the Merrell Center.
Randle (30-8) advances to the UIL Class 5A state tournament in its second varsity season.
“I’m just lucky enough to have a group of kids that they’re going to die out there. They’re going to fall out before they give up,” Randle coach Christy Westbrooks said. “Barbers Hill, those girls played tough, real tough. It could’ve gone either way. I’m just happy today it was my group that was left standing.”
Freshman Brooklynn Roberson scored six key points off the bench during the second quarter, while Cynthia LeCompte’s steal and assist to Madison Collins helped Barbers Hill (31-8) take a 2420 lead into the break.
“At halftime we had to stay locked in,” Randle sophomore Kurynn McNeill said. “Don’t get discouraged. Last game we were down by 12, this is nothing. We’re good, just stay locked in.”
A three-point basket by Jalissa King opened a 7-0 run for Randle, which did not allow a point in the third quarter until Niya Robison’s layup with 1:45 left, pulling Barbers Hill within 27-26.
Senior Ifemena Nwora scored all of eight of her points in the second half, including two driving baskets to help build a 35-30 lead during the fourth quarter.
Barbers Hill was called for two key charges as Randle built its lead, one erasing a basket.
“We definitely took advantage of the way they did their floaters,” Cook said. “We took a couple charges, which got some of their players out, which to us is very important to do. We usually foul, so for us to take a charge was very important to us.”
Randle did not score during the last four minutes of the game. LeCompte, who led Barbers Hill with 11 points and three assists, cut the lead in half with a running bank shot and a jumper off an inbounds pass.
Both teams produced turnovers and errant shots during the final stretch.
“A lot of times I had to talk to my teammates because they were getting frustrated and trying to talk to refs,” Jalissa King said. “I had to tell them just let it go. ‘Right here, right now’ is our motto. If we try to get out of the game or let frustration take over, I’ll talk to my teammates and let them know there’s still time on the clock. We’ve still got a game to play.”
Randle prevailed despite shooting 31% from the field and 18% from 3point range. The Lions also held the Eagles to 30% shooting and helped force 19 turnovers, committing 15.
“I feel like they were a really good, aggressive team,” Randle senior Jade Hypolite said. “I’m just happy with my team being able to hold our composure and keep fighting back.”
Jack Marrion
Columbus cruises past Aransas Pass
Columbus is bound for San Antonio once again.
The Cardinals earned their spot in the UIL state tournament with a decisive 61-44 victory against Aransas Pass in the Region IV-3A championship at Seguin High School.
Columbus (26-10), unranked at the end of the regular season, is headed back to the Alamodome for the second straight year. The Cardinals made their first trip in 2023, losing to state champion Holliday in the semifinals.