The Josey girls’ basketball team defeated Butler 42-36 to advance to the AA Georgia High School Girls Basketball Elite Eight for the fifth straight year.
This was the fourth time the Eagles defeated the Bulldogs this season, but each game has been tight. While this was a home playoff game for Josey, fans and family of both programs pack the stadium to support the Augusta playoff game matchup.
“This our fourth time playing Butler this season,” said Josey Coach Nichelle Chapman. “The crowd was behind us and both fanbases showed up for the girls. It is tense when you keep playing the same teams because you know each other’s weaknesses and strengths.”
Butler had the momentum in the game early with a 12-7 lead and after two 3-pointers from senior Brayla Harris.
Momentum swung in the Eagles’ favor late in the first half with a three and layup from senior Keasia Henderson, taking a 17-16 lead going into the third quarter.
“I feel like we were too amped up,” said Chapman. “We just had to settle down and once they started seeing the ball go through the hoop, we knew everything was going to be alright. Defense carried both teams tonight and we just slugged it out.”
Defense played a huge factor in Friday’s game as this was one of the lowest scoring games for both teams all season.
After a close third quarter, Butler tied the game 33-33 as senior Rania Curry converted the mid-range shot.
Curry attempted to steal the ball on the following pass in, but fouled Kerri Fluellen. The Eagles went 10 of 12 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to secure the playoff win.
“Our first year here, I feel like that was one of our down falls when we got into the region championship against Thomson and we left too many points,” said Chapman. ““Coming in this season we wanted to make sure every practice we ended with making free throws.”
Henderson led the Eagles with 17 points, followed by fellow senior Shaniya Sanders with 12. Sanders also scored her 1,000th career point in Friday’s game.
“We know we can score the ball but really opted in on defense and made our free throws,” Sanders said. “We have made state championship runs, but have fell short. We are coming back for it all this year. Sanders said.
Josey lost in the state championship last season and are looking for their first title win since winning it all in 2021. The Eagles will host Thomson in round three of the playoffs on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
“Battles like tonight help keep things in perspective and lets us know we are vulnerable,” said Chapman. “We can’t take no plays off, no nights off.”
Christopher Rickerson, an Augusta University graduate, has covered area sports for Augusta University, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News newsletter here.
