TUSKEGEE — George Grimes’ lone veteran stepped up when it counted.

On Thursday, senior Kenjadae Dunn drove to the basket and made a buzzer-beating field goal to lift the Valley High School girls basketball team to the Class 5A, Area 5 title.

The Lady Rams (11-11) upset Booker T. Washington, 42-40, in the area tournament final.

“We finally played a complete game against them,” Grimes, the head coach, said,  “and were able to take advantage of some opportunities that we had.”

Valley lost to Booker T. Washington by considerable margins earlier in the season.

Dunn, who scored eight of her team-high 17 points in the final quarter, helped make the surprise victory possible.

Sophomore Ana Magby finished with 15 points.

The triumph clinched home-court advantage for the subregional round of the state playoffs. On Monday, Valley will host either Calera or Marbury for an 8 p.m. (EST) tipoff.

On the line will be a spot in the sweet 16.

“I’d like to see a lot of support out there,” Grimes said.