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It was a heartbreaking end for the Wildcats in Montgomery. The Springwood boys lost in the state championship game to Valiant Cross, 51-42. 

“Valiant Cross, we have seen, you know, we split [games] with them. A lot of respect for their program and their coach,” said head coach Lisa Sampson before the game. “It’s really just going to be a fun matchup, very talented kids on the floor, it’s gonna be a good game.”

Springwood’s defense had a hard time containing Valiant’s jump shot. The offense had a couple of good runs inside by CJ Johnson to keep it close. The first ended 11-7.

Johnson was undoubtedly the hero of the first half. Making big plays on both sides of the court. He found routes inside for layups, made a big block and steal. 

Springwood’s press started working near the end of the half, but Valiant’s Deshawn Hall worked from the outside. Springwood went into the locker room trailing 24-16. 

Valiant came out pressing hard. It didn’t help that Springwood’s shots were not dropping. While Valiant seemed to be incapable of missing. The Wildcats went into the final frame down 37-23.

Springwood knew what was on the line. In the final few minutes, the Wildcats battled, shortening the Warrior’s lead to five points with two minutes left. But Hall kept making baskets. 

The Wildcats scored 19 points in the final quarter but unfortunately fell 51-42 in the end. 

“I think the struggle was just really offense. You know, we didn’t make the best decisions. You know, just couldn’t score the ball, and that’s a testament to [Valiant’s] defense…they played a great game. We knew we had to play a great game to win,” Sampson said.

CJ Johnson ended his great game with 17 points. Greg Johnson and Clarence Moore were named to the All-Tournament team.

Sampson said she was, “super proud,” of her players. 

“The chemistry they had and the fun they had playing in the game, as a coach, it was so fun to watch,” she said.