Baldwin County loses 4A basketball championship game against Griffin, 51-47
Despite a gutsy performance from standout sophomore Janaye Walker, the Baldwin County Bravettes lost the GHSA 4A state championship in a heartbreaker against the Griffin Bears 51-47 Wednesday night at the Macon Coliseum.
The win, which came thanks to back-to-back three-pointers with less than a minute to play, gave Griffin their first-ever championship in their first season at the 4A level. The championship also follows a disappointing second-round exit last season. Baldwin was looking for their first title since 1988.
Walker was a force to be reckoned with for the Bravettes despite the loss, dropping 21 points while scooping up 19 rebounds to push Griffin to the brink.
The Bears were led by Aaliyah Duranham, who finished with 20 points, but it was Leah Turner who hit a game-changing three-pointer with just 31 seconds left to give Griffin the lead. After some Baldwin fouls to try and stay alive, the Bears iced it with free throws.
Baldwin fought hard under coach Kizzi Walker, who led the team to the title game after a bitter semifinals loss last season.
It was the fourth time this season that Baldwin and Griffin, regional foes, have battled. The games were close, but Griffin won three of them, including the regional tournament matchup.
Back-and-forth
Both teams came out scrapping, but Griffin snagged an early lead despite some foul trouble to begin the game. After the first quarter ended with the Bears ahead 9-7, Baldwin picked up the pace.
The second quarter saw Walker make her presence known for the Bravettes. She snagged rebound after rebound to create scoring opportunities, even drawing fouls in the paint. She led Baldwin in points and rebounds at the half with nine of each.
The Bravettes built their lead up to 24-14, but a late run from Griffin kept them close and cut the Baldwin lead to 25-20 at the break.
The Bravettes got right back to business at the start of the third quarter, but this time Griffin kept up. Both squads played hard and fast, with multiple steals and loose balls highlighting the period.
With about two minutes to go in the quarter, back-to-back Griffin three-pointers gave them their first lead since early in the first quarter. The Bravettes struck back with a jumper of their own and led 37-36 at the end of the high-scoring third period.
Baldwin stretched their lead to as large as seven in the fourth quarter, but Griffin fought back as the clock wound down. The Bravettes lead thinned to 45-43 with just under two minutes left, and Griffin took control with two late threes to seal the comeback win.
