There was little suspense in Hoover’s 87-39 victory over Prattville in Thursday’s AHSAA Class 7A state semifinal at BJCC Legacy Arena.

The top-ranked Bucs (34-1) led 23-11 after a quarter and 52-23 at the half, prompting plenty of playing time for Hoover reserves.

The numbers were gaudy and game stress was minimal, but none of that mattered to Hoover players and coaches.

They expect more.

“It’s just different, it’s a standard,” said Hoover senior Reniya Kelly, a North Carolina signee who has been to the state semifinals five times in her career.

Hoover coach Krystle Johnson has guided her team to the four previous championship games with three titles.

“Expectations,” Johnson said. “We expect everyone to play to a certain standard 1-14. We put them through a lot and expect a lot. They know what we expect and there are no variations year-to-year.”

Kelly was the leading scorer with 18 points, but 14 players earned court minutes and 11 scored, four in double figures.

Layla Etchison had 16 points, Kristen McMillan scored 14 and Ariana Peagler had 13. All but Peagler are seniors.

“We have seven seniors and these girls are going to graduate and (the others) need to step up,” Johnson said. “It’s important to get them in and showcase as well.”

Prattville coach Erica DuBois guided the Lions to only their second state semifinal, the first coming in 1998 when DuBois – she earned Montgomery Metro Player of the Year in 1999 – was a star guard on the team.

The Lions (23-5) won 15 of their final 17 games after finishing 3-19 two seasons ago in DuBois’ first year as coach.

“I’m proud of these girls,” DuBois said. “We’re young. I’m proud of all they accomplished all year. I feel like we earned it.”

Star of the Game: Hoover’s Reniya Kelly scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range, adding four rebounds, three assists and five steals in only 18 minutes of playing time.

Stat sheet: Hoover – Layla Etchison 16 points, four assists, six steals; Kristen McMillan 14 points, six rebounds; Ariana Peagler 13 points, five rebounds, four assists.

Prattville – U’Llyriah Lewis nine points, three rebounds, four assists; Seay Keziah eight points, two steals.

By the numbers: Hoover – Shot 29-of-64 (45.3 percent) field goals, 10-of-21 3-pointers, 19-of-26 free throws, 48 rebounds, 16 assists, 15 steals.

Prattville – Shot 13-of-47 (27.7 percent) field goals, 3-of-14 3-pointers, 10-of-19 free throws, 30 rebounds, eight assists, five steals.

Next up: Hoover plays the winner of Sparkman/Foley for the Class 7A girls championship on Saturday at 4 p.m.

They said it: “I do think we fouled too much and they shot too many free throws. We have to work on that for the next game.” – Hoover coach Krystle Johnson.

Did you know? Prattville senior Keziah Seay suffered a knee injury during the summer and worked her way back into the lineup for a December 20 game. While rehabbing in Atlanta, Seay made friends with another working with the facility, former heavyweight boxing champion Riddick Bowe, who attended her first game back.