The Clements girls basketball team has unfinished business and is on a familiar path to redemption.

The fourth-ranked Colts never trailed and never wavered in powering to a 59-41 victory over No. 1 Lauderdale County in Wednesday’s Class 3A girls Northwest Regional final at Wallace State’s Traditions Bank Arena in Hanceville.

Clements (24-9) lost both regular-season matchups to Lauderdale County, along with a 32-point loss in the area tournament, but took down one of the winningest girls programs in the state – Lauderdale County has a state record 13 titles in girls basketball – for the second straight year in the region final.

The Colts held Lauderdale County to single-digit scoring in the first three periods before allowing 18 points in the final quarter, when Clements outscored the Tigers 21-18 down the stretch.

Lauderdale County (28-2) falls short of adding to its state record title collection and does not advance to a program-record 24th state tournament appearance.

Did you know? Clements advances to its second straight state tournament while making its third appearance overall. The Colts won the state title in 2010.

By the numbers: The Colts shot 47.6 percent overall, forced 20 turnovers and were 16-of-23 at the foul line. Lauderdale County enjoyed a plus-16 advantage on the glass (38-22), but was only 25.9 percent from the field and 6-of-27 on 3-pointers.

Stat sheet: Clements – Tay Tay Farrar finished with a game-high 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, and Leah Childress finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Josie Childress had 6 points and 4 rebounds and Kaley McEwen added 6 points and 4 blocks. Lauderdale County – Meredith Newton finished with a team-high 11 points, adding 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, and Shila Marks had 9 points and 6 boards. Kenzie Mobley had 5 points and 7 rebounds, and Emery Owens and Sarah Smith had 4 points each with Owens claiming 9 rebounds and Smith taking 6.

All-Tournament Team: Leah Childress was named MVP and teammates Josie Childress and Tay Tay Farrar were selected to the all-tournament team, along with Lauderdale County’s Marks, Smith and Newton.

Coachspeak: “I was so nervous about it. We had not run that defense (zone) against no one but scout teams. I was nervous about whether it would work and throw them out of rhythm because they are a great half-court offensive team. We had to roll the dice and it worked out.” – Clement’s Shane Childress

“We didn’t play well today. We picked a bad day to play probably our worst game of the season. We had a really good year and told our girls to keep their heads up. This is not a defining moment for them. It wasn’t how we wanted it to turn out, but I still love these girls and love coaching this team.” – Lauderdale County’s Brant Llewellyn

She said it: “It feels so good. They beat us three times in the season and lost by 32 points the last time. No one expected us to do it and it feels good to prove people wrong.” – Leah Childress

What’s next? Clements advances to face No. 3 Trinity in a Class 3A state semifinal at 9 a.m., Tuesday at BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham.