Nance’s free throw lifts Danville to Regional Finals

HANCEVILLE – Ashley Nance hit a free throw with no time on the clock to give Danville a 38-37 win over Holly Pond Thursday afternoon in the Class 3A semifinal game at Wallace State Hanceville.

Nance was fouled by Holly Pond’s Taylor Terry as the clock expired, giving her an opportunity to break the 37-37 tie. She calmly hit a free throw and helped Danville survive the win.

Nance finished the game with 21 points including 8-for-12 from the field and 5-for-7 at the charity stripe.

Celese Sharbutt also had 7 points followed by Hannah McClung and Kayloni Cross with 5 points each. No other Lady Hawk scored in the game.

The win gives Danville a date in the Class 3A Northwest Regional Final against the winner of Winfield-Clements Saturday at 3:40 p.m.

Danville got out of the gate quickly with an 8-0 run and was able to lead 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Holly Pond’s Natasha Holcombe gave her team its first lead of the game at 18-17 halfway through the second quarter. The teams traded the lead again before halftime, but Holly Pond took the 23-21 lead at the break.

Nance gave Danville the lead midway through the defensive third quarter as Danville led 30-28 heading to the fourth quarter.

Sharbutt made back-to-back field goals to give Danville a four-point lead on consecutive possessions. Holly Pond’s Haley Terry hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 34-33 at the midpoint of the fourth quarter.

A minute later, Nance then converted a 3-point play to give Danville a four-point advantage yet again.

However, Taylor Terry made consecutive shots to tie the game at 37 with fewer than two minutes to play.

But Nance took advantage of the late foul to give Danville the win.