14U Southern Ohio Lady Mambas finish season with championship win at Hidden Gems Summer Madness
Pictured are (front, l-r) Derrik Haithcock Jr., Syndey Gearhart, Jayden Hatfield, Maddie Easter, Karilee Burns-Coleman; and (back, l-r) Coach Derrik Haithcock, Avery Gearhart, Karis Hudson, Heidi Schultz, Jayla Haithcock, Emily Burke and Kenzie West. Not pictured: Hayden Rideout and Lyrric Hanson. (Submitted photo)
The 14U Southern Ohio Lady Mambas capped off their incredible season with a hard-fought championship victory at the Hidden Gems Summer Madness in Columbus, bouncing back strong after falling short and earning second place at Rocky Top Nationals just two weeks ago in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The Lady Mambas had a rough start, dropping their first game 59-29, but the team showed resilience and heart, bouncing back in their second pool game with a dramatic 34-32 buzzer-beater win with Avery Gearhart scoring the put-back.
In the semifinals, the Mambas caught fire, delivering a dominant 50-40 victory to punch their ticket to the title game. In a tough, physical battle, the Lady Mambas rose to the occasion. Kenzie West went to the free-throw line to put the Lady Mambas up by four, pulling off a 44-40 win to take home the tournament championship and to end their season on a high note.
The Lady Mambas end their season with a record of 38-16, winning seven championships.
“Very proud of these girls,” head coach Derrik Haithcock said. “They fought hard all year, showed grit, teamwork and heart. Great job, girls.
“This season has been dedicated to the creator of the Lady Mambas, our starting SG #4 Jayla Haithcock, who has sat out all season with an injury and coached and cheered her girls on.
“Also, shoutout to Lyrric Hanson and Hayden Rideout, two of our dedicated veteran players who were supposed to be in Columbus with us this weekend. Lyrric hurt her ankle, and Hayden was in Chicago at a Nike showcase.”