NW Regional girls: Jasper surges past West Point to finals
Missy Odom simply could not be stopped.
The sophomore forward for the Jasper girls basketball team scored 10 points during a 17-2 run in the second period and the top-ranked Vikings cruised to a 63-39 victory over No. 6 West Point in Friday’s Class 7A Northwest Regional semifinal at Wallace State-Hanceville’s Traditions Bank Arena.
“We really didn’t that play that well (down the stretch),” Jasper coach Blake Laney said. “But we were patient on offense, found open plays and everybody knew their role today. Nobody tried to be bigger than the moment.”
Both teams threw haymakers in the opening quarter, neither taking a clear advantage as Jasper (28-4) held a 14-13 lead at the end of the period, but Odom ignited a game-altering run in the second quarter to surge past the Warriors for a 17-point lead at halftime.
The Vikings got off to a 9-2 start in the second half, building as much as a 24-point lead midway through the third period, and closed out on a 6-2 run to maintain a 50-26 advantage heading into the fourth.
West Point (24-6) opened the fourth quarter with a 10-1 run, trimming the deficit to 15 points halfway through the period, but could not stave off a 9-2 closing run from the Vikings.
Did you know? Jasper advances to its second straight regional final for the second time in program history. The Vikings made consecutive trips in the 1989 and 1990 seasons.
By the numbers: Jasper shot 47.7 percent from the field and was 5-of-15 on 3-pointers and 16-of-21 at the foul line. The Vikings held West Point to 25 percent shooting and held a plus-8 advantage in rebounding.
Stat sheet: Jasper – Odom led the Vikings with a game-high 25 points and came one board shy of a double-double in grabbing 9 rebounds, along with 2 assists, 2 blocks and steal. Mercer finished with 15 points, 3 boards and 4 assists, followed by Mia Hollingsworth with 15 points, 2 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals. Marianna Rigsby added 5 points and 6 rebounds and Hallie Harrell contributed 2 points and 7 rebounds. West Point – Jaelyn Faulkner had a team-high 14 points, adding 4 rebounds, and Liberty Shadix had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Kylee Quinn had 5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals, and Camryan Faulkner, Laklin Shadix and Hallie Wheeler all had 3 points each.
Coachspeak: “We had a really good week of practice and we’re not the best practice team in the world. I felt really good, but nervous because of how good West Point is. We had a game plan, stuck to it and stayed in the moment. Proud of them.” – Jasper’s Blake Laney
“We couldn’t stop (Missy) Odom. It is what it is and she’s tough. The transfer portal is good to teams. I’ll be honest with you, and I don’t care what they say, the transfer portal is getting out of hand in high school basketball. I’ll end it there.” – West Point’s John Welborn
They said it: “It feels great. I’ve been here since seventh grade and it’s the second time we’ve been here. This year we need to finish it off. We’ve worked hard and have a different hunger this year.” – Idaysia Mercer
“Last year we lost in the elite eight so we know what it takes to get back here and finish off strong like we didn’t do last year. We’ve worked much harder this year.” – Missy Odom
What’s next? Jasper advances to face either Ramsay or No. 2 Pleasant Grove in Wednesday’s Northwest Regional final at Wallace State’s Traditions Bank Arena.