RIVER RIDGE LOVEJOY VS.

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River Ridge

KNIGHTS • 26-5 • REGION 6

River Ridge is seeking its first state title in program history after a 60-46 final-four win against Langston Hughes. The Lady Knights have yet to suffer an in-state loss this season and have racked up signature wins this season, beating 7A opponents Buford (53-51) and Brookwood (70-59). River Ridge has arguably the best starting five in the state. Each member of their starting five averages more than seven points per game. “We’ve got five really special players, but the thing is, every day in practice the rest of the girls have to go against those five girls,” River Ridge coach Jason Taylor said. “The reason our five can get to that level is because of the way the rest of our girls are pushing them.” The River Ridge starting five made their impact felt in their game against Hughes. Sophia Pearl led the Lady Knights with 20 points. Kayla Cleaveland scored 11, Mataya Gayla had 10 and Avery Gaw scored nine points on three 3-pointers. River Ridge went undefeated in region play and secured the one seed heading into the region tournament. The Lady Knight hoisted the region championship after defeating Woodstock 66-62. On their playoff run, the Lady Knights defeated defending Class 4A state champions Marist 61-43, and were led by Cleveland who scored 17 points. River Ridge hasn’t lost a game since January 10th against Hazel Green (AL) and has scored 70 or more points in 14 of their 31 games this season.