Lady Royals Roar Back in 2nd Half to Send Hoboes Home

The Jay Lady Royals (23-4) found themselves trailing at halftime, at home, to Laurel Hill (21-7), 24-23. Jay, who had defeated Laurel Hill a week ago for the district championship, had jumped out to an early lead in the game, but a slow shooting start to the second quarter coupled with numerous self-inflicted turnovers, Jay’s first half lead had turned into a deficit.
But, the tide changed suddenly as the second half started. The Lady Royals came out swinging hay-makers, scoring 22 unanswered. 22. Unanswered… 12 of which were scored by junior Presley Hawthorne, who had a game high 21. Jay’s defense held Laurel Hill scoreless the entire 3rd quarter.
Aubreigh Nelson scored 12 while Hattie Locklin added 10 on the night.
The Lady Royals also shot from the free throw line outstandingly well, connecting on 15 of 18.
Jay will now face Chipley (17-8) on Friday for a trip to the final four. It would be the schools first trip back to Lakeland in nearly three decades. Jay and Chipley have played each other twice this season. Jay lost at Chipley, 57-50 earlier in the season while the Royals got revenge on the Tigers at home in January, 54-42.

JHS 15 8 18 14-55

LHHS 11 13 0 12-36

(P Hawthorne 21, A Nelson 12, H Locklin 10, G Lewis 3, L Locklin 4, E Vaughn 2, K Gilbreath 3)