Chris Tipton knew the metrics heading into the GHSA Class AA girls’ basketball final were not favorable for his Murray County team.
Hardaway, the same opponent that pounded Murray a year ago in the state championship game, entered Saturday morning’s rematch with one of the best players in Georgia, elite athleticism and a height advantage that often proves too much to overcome at this level.
Tipton’s response: “Yes, but they don’t know what I’ve got.”
The coach’s comment proved prophetic as his second-seeded Lady Indians (27-4) scrapped their way to a 51-48 win at the Macon Centreplex to capture the program’s first state title in 61 years.
So while reigning Class AA player of the year Rhianna Boynton had 23 points and 21 rebounds for the Lady Hawks, Tipton’s team countered with 32 combined points from sisters Callan and Blaklee Ledford as well as key hustle plays near the end of the game that made the ultimate difference.