PHS’ Ponder’s late shot ends thriller

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
PRICEVILLE - The biggest shot of Morgan Ponder’s high school career set off a wild celebration as students flooded the playing floor after Priceville rallied for a 60-59 victory over Brooks Thursday night in a Class 4A girls’ sub-regional game.
Looking for an open player on the baseline, Ponder pulled up for a game-winning jumper with the game on the line.
After losing control of the ball, Ponder snatched up the loose ball and hit a short jumper to send Priceville to the 60-59 win over Brooks.
Priceville improved to 18-12 overall with the win that set up a Thursday showdown with Deshler in the Northwest Regionals at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.
The Lady Bulldogs will face Deshler at 3 p.m.
Mason was hoping to set up a final play with a late timeout in the closing seconds, but with time running down Ponder drove the lane for the winning basket.
Ponder led Priceville with 20 points, including 15 points in the second half to thwart several late runs by the Lady Lions.
Priceville jumped all over Brooks early with 18 points in the first quarter on the way to a 12-point advantage just eight minutes into the game.
The Lady Bulldogs held off Brooks in the second quarter and led 29-17 at the half.
Brooks struggled from the field, especially inside, and had just seven baskets in the first 16 minutes of the game.
Brooks, who finished the season with a 20-13 record, came back strong in the third quarter to take the lead.
The Lady Lions used a 28-13 run in the third to grab a 45-42 advantage.
After several lead changes and ties in the fourth quarter, Brooks’ Kris Luking scored with 16 seconds remaining in the game to give the Lady Lions a 59-58 advantage.
K’Maya Roach scored 21 points for the Lady Lions, while Miranda Liles - an Evansville signee - added 20 points.
Both Roach and Liles played key roles in Brooks’ late run, scoring 14 points each in the second half.