Holly Pond got a crucial jumper from Taylor Terry and hit free throws to hold on, 41-34, in Jacksonville State’s Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Holly Pond (27-5) advanced to Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. final against either Ashville or Pisgah. Piedmont finished its season at 26-7.
The first half saw the Bulldogs struggle with Holly Pond’s 3-2 zone and physical double-downs on Sarah Garner and BreAnna Thompson in the first half. The Broncos’ length on the perimeter helped them force 16 Piedmont turnovers in the first half.
In the second half, Piedmont committed just three turnovers and got 10 from Holly Pond. The Bulldogs also got Thompson and Garner the ball in good spots, and they scored 19 of Piedmont’s 22 points in the second half.
Thompson finished with 16 points and Garner 14 in their final games with Piedmont. Terry, who hit a shot just inside the 3-point arc to give Holly Pond a 38-34 lead with 1:16 to play, led the Broncoes with 10 points.
Sports Columnist Joe Medley: 256-235-3576. On Twitter @jmedley_star.
