It was bound to happen eventually, Cold Springs’ shooters finding the range during Monday’s AHSA Class 2A girls state semifinal at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

It just took longer than coach Tammy West expected.

Top-ranked Cold Springs made 5-of-6 baskets during a key stretch in the fourth quarter then held off Lanett for the 44-37 victory.

“I don’t know,” West said of the shooting woes. “We are fantastic shooters in practice. It was just the heat of the game.”

Leading 28-25 to start the final quarter, the Eagles’ run started with 3-pointer by Kenady Graves to open the quarter. Maci Brown and Ciara Calvert followed with 2-point baskets and Ella Dickerson made a lane shot and a 3-pointer with 4:38 left. Cold Springs took a 40-30 lead to key the win.

“We hit some shots and everything picks up for us when we hit shots,” West said.

The game started slowly, tied 5-all after a quarter. Cold Springs (31-2) made 2-of-8 shots and 1-of-6 on 3-pointers while Lanett (24-3) was 2-of-10 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3-point range in the quarter.

Trailing 14-7, Lanett scored eight straight points in the second quarter, keyed by its pressing defense. The Panthers took a 18-16 lead into the half when Nakeriona Heard nailed a 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds left.

The third quarter was just as laborious with Lanett surging to a 22-19 lead midway before Cold Springs outscored the Panthers 9-3 over the final three minutes, all coming on 3-pointers.

That set the stage for the dramatic final period.

Despite Lanett – making its third straight appearance in the state semifinals – having a huge height advantage with 6-foot-4 Laila Lancaster and 6-3 Makiyah White starting inside, Cold Springs outrebounded the Panthers 28-21.

“It was tough,” said Cold Springs’ Dickerson. “We had to be more physical than they were.”

Star of the Game: Cold Springs’ Maci Brown scored a game-high 18 points, making 5-of-10 field goals, including 4-of-7 3-pointers and all four free throws. She also had a game-high five assists, adding two steals.

Stat sheet: Cold Springs – Ella Dickerson 14 points, 5-of-10 shooting, 4-of-8 3-pointers, four rebounds.

Lanett – Nakeriona Heard 16 points, 5-of-10 shooting, 2-of-3 from 3-point range, 4-of-8 free throws, six rebounds, three steals

By the numbers: Cold Springs – Shot 14-of-35 (40 percent) field goals, 10-of-26 3-pointers, 6-of-6 free throws, 28 rebounds, 12 assists, seven steals.

Lanett – Shot 15-of-38 (39.5 percent) field goals, 2-of-13 3-pointers, 5-of-13 free throws, 21 rebounds, four assists, 13 turnovers, three blocked shots, nine steals.

They said it: “What a game. That was a great game.” – Cold Springs coach Tammy West

“This loss is on me. I don’t care how many shots they made, I’ve got to do a better job of preparing them.” – Lanett coach Charlie Williams.

Next up: Cold Springs plays Mars Hill Bible for the Class 2A girls championship on Friday at 9 a.m.