The Jasper girls basketball team was in a similar situation exactly a year ago, but were not about to let this one slip away. Try as they might.

The top-ranked Vikings went cold in the final period, but survived a fierce rally for a 39-37 victory over No. 2 Pleasant Grove in Wednesday’s Class 5A girls Northwest Regional final at Wallace State’s Traditions Bank Arena in Hanceville.

“We’re a different team,” Jasper coach Blake Laney said. “The moment last year was too big for us. Were we talented enough? Yes. But we played a weaker schedule and this year we played against half the elite eight in 6A. We’ve been battle-tested, but made some dumb mistakes and that’s on me.”

Jasper (24-4) fell behind early, 6-2, on consecutive 3-pointers from Kameryn Davidson and Omaya Nelson, but powered ahead on an 11-2 run to close out the opening period. The Vikings held Pleasant Grove to only two made field goals in the second quarter and took control on a 9-0 run powered by an and-1 opportunity from Missy Odom and capped by Idaysia Mercer for a 24-13 lead entering the halftime break.

Facing an 11-point deficit following the first possessions of the second half, Pleasant Grove went on a 9-0 run to trim the deficit to a single possession with 3:24 left in the third period. Carlisha Enge jumpstarted the scoring surge for the Spartans, ending with a bucket from Tamya Smith, but Jasper closed out the quarter with an 8-0 run that was capped with another plus-1 conversion for Odom.

“I knew I had to do something because I hadn’t really done anything all game,” Odom said. “I knew if I made that play, I could get the crowd in the game and we could go on a run.”

Pleasant Grove (18-8) once more made a valiant charge to open the final period and pulled within 4 points on an 8-0 run bookended by Smith, who then followed with a 3-pointer to cut the Jasper advantage to 37-35 with 4:25 remaining in the game. A last-minute bucket from Nelson was not enough as Mercer went 2-of-4 at the foul line to seal the win for the Vikings.

Did you know? Jasper advances to the state tournament for the first time in program history after three previous region final losses, including last year’s 44-40 setback to eventual champion Pleasant Grove.

By the numbers: The Vikings were 38.9 percent from the field, only 2-of-10 from 3-point range, and 9-of-16 at the foul line. Jasper enjoyed a plus-7 advantage on the glass and held the Spartans to 26.9 percent from the field and 12 percent on three-pointers.

Stat sheet: Jasper – Odom posted a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, along with 2 blocks, and Mercer finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Mia Hollingsworth had 8 points and 3 rebounds, and Hallie Harrell added 4 points, 8 boards and 2 assists. Marianna Rigsby contributed 3 points and 6 rebounds. Pleasant Grove – Smith led the Spartans with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals, followed by Carlisha Enge and Omaya Nelson, both of whom scored 8 points while grabbing 2 rebounds each. Kameryn Davidson had 7 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and Skylar Lassiter and Keyarria combined for 5 points and 8 rebounds.

All-Tournament Team: Odom was named MVP and teammates Mercer and Hollingsworth were selected to the all-tournament team, along with Pleasant Grove’s Smith, Nelson and Davidson.

Coachspeak: “I’m relieved. Obviously, I’m excited but just so relieved after what happened last year. Down the stretch, I made a lot of mistakes. This year, we tried to give the game away but I knew our girls had it. Put the ball in their hands and they’ll take care of business.” – Jasper’s Blake Laney

“I’m extremely proud. The young ladies fought and gave themselves an opportunity. That’s all you can ask of your players. This year it just didn’t fall our way. They have nothing to hang their heads in shame because they’ve had a great run.” – Pleasant Grove’s Walter Hicks

They said it: “We had to get our get back. We’re about to go eat tacos.” – Kameryn Davidson

“Before they tipped the ball off, number 5 (Omaya Nelson) walked right up and gave me a little bump to let me know it was round two. And we were ready.” – Mia Hollingsworth

What’s next? Jasper advances to face No. 10 Brewbaker Tech in a Class 5A state semifinal at 3 p.m., Wednesday at BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham.