Jay beats Baker to advance in District 1-2A

PONCE DE LEON — The Jay Lady Royals took charge down the stretch and Tessa Hendricks led the way. The sophomore scored 17 of Jay’s last 21 points as the Lady Royals beat the Baker Lady Gators 57-50 to advance to the District 1-2A girls finals.

Baker jumped out to a 15-9 first-quarter lead before getting in foul trouble gave Jay a chance for a comeback. The Lady Royals went 10-15 from the free-throw line and held a 28-23 halftime lead.

Jay held a 38-33 lead going into the fourth quarter as Baker center Caitlin Holley fouled out. The Lady Gators came back, however, as Cassidy Anderson hit a three and Bethany Chestnut made a layup to bring Baker to within one at 39-38 with 5:32 to play. Then Hendricks went on her run to finish with 28 points and the Lady Royals took the win to meet the winner of Freeport and host Ponce De Leon in the finals Saturday night.

Anderson scored 14 points, while Carly Barton and Chestnut scored 10 each.

Baker made it to the semi-finals by beating Pensacola Christian Tuesday night.

Freeport beat Northview 37-19 to advance to the semi-finals to meet Ponce de Leon in the second game Friday night.

Records

Baker 11-7

Jay 14-9