The Fairfield Lady Eagles closed out their fourth consecutive undefeated district run and will head to the playoffs as the state’s top ranked team. They take the top rung of the Region III bracket and will attempt to make a berth to their fifth straight state tournament.
They completed the district season on Tuesday at the Johnson Activity Center against the Westwood Lady Panthers. Fairfield built a ten-point first quarter lead and never looked back in the 80-19 win. Fairfield hit 12 of 16 shots in the second period to take a 50-13 halftime lead.
Avery Thaler and Jimilyah Nash scored 21 each to lead the way in the contest and everyone played extensive minutes in the win, including several minutes when there was not a single starter on the floor.
Fairfield travelled to Athens to play a warmup game against the Martins Mill Lady Mustangs. The Lady Mustangs head to the playoffs out of Region III of 2A and ranked fourth in the state. Fairfield endured a physical contest but came away with a 51-44 win.
Both teams began with hot shooting. Thaler hit a pair from close range and Kate Lindsay countered with a pair from long distance. MaKenna Wise added a pair of her own and Fairfield closed the first quarter gap to one with a score from Blayke Brackens and a three pointer from Nash and the Lady Mustangs led 15-14 after one.
Jacelynn Schmidt took over the second period with the first three scores to put the Lady Eagles in the lead. Thaler scored twice and Kaylee Williams scored on a runner to the basket. Wise scored ten in the period to keep the game within a score and the teams went into the locker room and the Lady Eagles clung to a 30-28 lead.
Fairfield opened the lead a bit with a pair of three pointers from Nash and the physical game increased in tenacity. Schmidt left the game briefly with a contusion on her mouth but would return and play for several minutes in the second half. Wise scored a three pointer to keep the game close, but the Lady Eagles led 42-37 lead after three.
The team defenses dominated the final period and Thaler scored a basket and Williams added five points in the period. The Lady Mustangs only had six shots in the period and four turnovers. Fairfield closed out the game with a 9-7 fourth period advantage and a 51-44 win.
ENJOYING THEIR LAST PARENTS NIGHT of their High School Basketball career are FHS Seniors Charlee Brackens (#14), Kristavia Nelms (#3), Lillian McBean (#5), and Avery Thaler (#13).
Nash and Thaler each scored double digits and Fairfield heads to the playoffs as a favorite in the Region and will attempt to qualify for their fifth consecutive state tournament appearance. Fairfield will play in Robinson on Tuesday at 5:30pm and the opponent was still not determined as of press time.
(Photos by Natalia V. Marsters)
Update: The Lady Eagles went on to beat Rockdale to earn the Bi-District title. Their next game is Friday, February 16th in the Area Round against Mildred beginning 5:30 p.m. at Corsicana High School.
