PDL captures District 1-2A crown over Jay

PONCE DE LEON — An enthusiastic serenade of "Happy Birthday" rang out from the Ponce De Leon Lady Pirates as Coach Tim Alford celebrated his 42nd birthday. Ponce de Leon celebrated as well as the Lady Pirates overcame a late rally by a tough Jay team to win 40-30 to capture the District 1-2A title.

The Lady Pirates will host Graceville Thursday night at 7 p.m. Graceville was edged by Cottondale 34-33. Jay will travel to Cottondale Thursday night.

The Lady Pirates looked to be in control with a 33-23 lead in the tough defensive struggle entering the fourth quarter. Then Jay came back as Becca Calloway hit a three and Tessa Hendricks battled for a layup to make it 33-28. Another Jay three-pointer was called off on a traveling call but Ginger Jennings hit a jumper to bring the Lady Royals to 33-30, but forced to foul to get the ball.

That proved to be Jay's downfall as PDL's Kaitlyn Carroll hit four free throws, Sha-Lea Yates hit a jumper and Jasmine Flock hit a free throw to give the home team another district crown.

"Man it was physical," said Alford after the trophy presentations. "We lost our composure there for a little bit."

The game was a tough defensive struggle. Hendricks scored 28 in Jay's win over Baker Friday but was in foul trouble and was held to 12 points Saturday. Hillary Harper led PDL with just 9 points and Yates had 8.

Alford knows Graceville will give the Lady Pirates (23-3) a tough game Thursday.

"They are deep and tough and they will give us trouble," Alford said. Jay is 14-10 for the season.