Lady Bees Claim State Title In Overtime

Akira Levy’s layup with :01 second remaining in overtime gave the Upperman Lady Bees a 64-62 win over Macon County and a second consecutive state title.

Levy started the game slow picking up two fouls in the first four minutes of action. But she finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds, capturing the MVP Award. The Bees finish the season a perfect 37-0.

Tight defense provided the backdrop for the fifth matchup between the two district rivals. Macon County owned the first half, opening up a seven point lead. Upperman owned the second half, hitting seven of its ten third quarter shots. The Lady Bees grabbed a nine point lead early in the fourth quarter.

But Macon County rallied, tying the game at the 3:50 mark. Upperman stretched the lead back to five with 1:31 remaining at 51-46. Macon County would tie it 34 seconds later. Abby Shoulders fouled Levy with :13 seconds remaining. Levy made one of two free throws to give the Bees a 54-53 lead.

Macon County had two chances to win it in regulation. Levy blocked a Marah King jumper with :01 remaining. It appeared Upperman had won the game. But officials, after a discussion, ruled Levy fouled Shoulders. Upperman Coach Dana McWilliams strongly protested the decision. Shoulders made the first free throw, but missed the second and third. Regulation ended with the score tied 54 apiece.

Riley Hurst finished with 11 for Upperman. Brooke Shrum and Reagan Hurst each had eight. The Hurst sisters, and Upperman’s Torie Brooks made the 2A All Tournament team.

The Lady Bees beat Macon County in all five matchups, giving Macon five of its seven losses this season.