GDW Analysis:
HANCEVILLE: Now the head coach for the Hillcrest Lady Patriots, Jessica McBrayer had her squad visiting Wallace State Community College Monday for a playday series hosted by the Lady Lions.
McBrayer was hired by Hillcrest Tuscaloosa last month and has a squad that is very talented and eager to stay around the top of AHSAA basketball in Class 7A.
Hillcrest would compile an undefeated record at Tom Drake Coliseum.
The finale was huge with last year's 7A state runner up battling the 2nd place team out of Class 4A, the Good Hope Lady Raiders.
Gameday Weekly was informed of this encounter and arrived at Wallace in the afternoon to see these two successful programs fight hard against one another.
McBrayer has been a head coach for 8 years, 6 in the ACCC with Wallace State as she collected 125 wins and a winning percentage of .740.
She coached Cullman HS the last 2 years with the Laday 'Cats getting 30 wins and a berth into the Sweet 16 of the AHSAA 6A postseason.
Hillcrest managed an early lead with Good Hope able to stay in striking distance, trailing 21 to 16 at halftime.
A fast start from Justin Aby's Lady Raiders to open the final period, got them within a point at 25 to 24 on back to back FGs by Sophie Konrad.
Hillcrest then utilized a fast break attack and went up 40 to 28 on the Lady Raiders at the 6:00 mark.
Good Hope was never able to make a serious run down the stretch with Hillcrest claiming a 51 to 35 decision.
Hillcrest was better in 2nd half scoring with 30 points to 19 for the Lady Raiders.
McBrayer's new team is experienced with four sophomores becoming juniors and two juniors entering their senior season.
Good Hope put a competitive team on the floor.
Aby is having to replace seniors Ava McSwain, the 4A player of the year and Jolee McHan.
The experience for Good Hope consists of PG Ella Gossett, SG Sophie Konrad, SG Lexi Marshall and F Lucie Adams.
Adding to the team with quality play Monday was SG Zoe Gibbs, who played for the JV last season.
Great girls hoops Tuesday at Wallace playday:
Holly Pond vs, Ider 9:00
Sardis vs. Belgreen 9:55
Sulligent vs. Mortimer Jordan 10:50
Arab vs. Ider 11:45
Holly Pond vs. Belgreen 12:40
Ramsay vs. Oak Mountain 1:35
Sardis vs. Sulligent 2:30
Mortimer Jordan vs. Scottsboro 3:25
Arab vs, Ramsay 4:20
Scottsboro vs. Oak Mountain 5:15
Photo of Hillcrest Tuscaloosa coach Jessica McBrayer on the floor during a playday at Wallace State CC Monday afternoon.
GDW photo by Johnny Thornton
