Girls basketball falls to Heights in sub-state title game 45-44

Abby McCoy and Casey Loving, Co-editor-in-chiefs

The girls basketball team lost to Heights 45-44 Friday following a last-second free throw.

The Eagles led going in to the fourth quarter, but it was a back-and-forth game throughout. In the final quarter, Maize fell behind by three points before tying the score with Sydney Holmes’ three consecutive free throws with 14 seconds remaining.

The Eagles got the ball back and were fouled but missed the front end of a one-and-one  Heights was fouled with less than a second remaining and won it.

Maize finished their season with an 18-4 record.

“I’m just proud of these girls and this team,” coach Jerrod Handy said. “They are hurting right now. This was a tough loss. But this is one of the best teams I’ve coached as far as chemistry and getting along with each other, so I’m proud of these girls.”

After the first quarter, the Eagles led the Falcons 15-13. At the half, Heights led 23-21. After the third quarter, the Eagles led 35-31.

“I’m so proud of all these girls,” senior Alexis Cauthon said. “We had a great season and I wouldn’t trade this season for the world. We’ve worked so hard day in day out.”

Cauthon said she is optimistic of the underclassmen stepping up next season.

“They are going to go far,” Cauthon said. “They really are. They have so much potential and I couldn’t be prouder.”