Norcross clips Lady Devils, 60-57

Published 8:00 pm Saturday, February 26, 2022

NORCROSS – Tift County fell just short of an upset Saturday afternoon in the state basketball playoffs. A three-point attempt clanked off the rim at the buzzer, denying Tift a chance at overtime. Instead, the final was 60-57 in favor of Norcross.

That Tift was even position for overtime was a miracle considering two of Norcross’ runs. The host Lady Devils took a 16-0 lead in the first quarter. And when Tift whittled it down to a 29-24 game on a Shakiria Chaney drive to start the third period, Norcross went on on a 14-0 streak to make it 43-24 midway through the quarter.

But the Lady Devils didn’t give up.

“I am so very proud of our girls basketball team for fighting so hard,” said head coach Julie Conner in a text message. “These ladies left it all on the floor today.”

It was a 50-33 Norcross lead at the end of the third, but momentum started swinging Tift’s way. Chaney banked in a three, then Tamyra Carter was fouled on a drive. Their points cut it to 50-38.

Norcross scored again, then Chaney bucketed two baskets. A travel call gave the ball back to the visitors and Skye McCrae landed a three from the corner. Braxton Gipson immediately followed with a steal and dish to Carter and it was now 52-47.

Then Norcross came up big, with five straight points.

But Tift wasn’t out of it.

They hit a three, then Chaney put back an offensive rebound and came up with a defensive one. She was fouled under the hoop and made both free throws, cutting it 57-54.

Norcross got a free throw, but Gipson delivered a three and the score was down to 58-57 in the final minute.

The hosts were put on the free throw line, but made both, forcing Tift to try a three. It did not work its magic in the net, allowing Norcross to escape by the skin of their teeth.

After the initial huge start by Norcross, Tift’s Lady Devils began their recovery with Carter free throws. Norcross was ahead 22-7 after the first quarter.

Tift’s press and two threes briefly made it a four-point game in the second. Chaney had the first three and Burgess made steals and lay-ups on two consecutive inbounds attempts. A final three by Carter got it to 26-22, but as was their wont, Norcross came up with a big shot as they needed it, a three for a 29-22 halftime score.

Chaney finished with 20 points, 17 in the second half. Carter added 17 points and Gipson notched 9.

“I will forever be grateful to our seniors for everything that they have done for our program,” said Conner. “Our underclassmen are great players and they are going to continue to get better and better! The future is so bright for Tift County basketball!”

Conner issued thanks to the squad’s supporters: Assistant coaches, fans, families and cheerleaders. Tift’s cheer squad not only made the trip to Norcross, but provided vocal support for the entire game. The Lady Devils also had a boisterous cheering section of fans.