Lady Mambas take 1st place at ‘The Payoff’
Pictured are (front, l-r) Avery Gearhart, Hayden Rideout and (back, l-r) Hadley Simmons-Hauke, Karis Hudson, Jayden Hatfield, Maddie Easter, Jayla Haithcock, Lyrric Hanson, Kenzie West, Karliee Burns-Coleman, Sydney Gearhart and Coach Derrik Haithcock Sr. Not pictured: Riley Byers and Peyton Shelton. (Submitted photo)
The 14U Southern Ohio Lady Mambas traveled to Gallipolis, Ohio April 26-27 to compete in Bracket SPORTZ’s second annual “The Payoff,” and they didn’t disappoint, bringing home their fourth championship title of the season.
The Mambas showed true grit and determination in Game 1, mounting a fierce comeback from an 18-12 halftime deficit to win 22-19. They carried that momentum into Game 2 with a dominant 49-15 victory over Flame 304 Basketball 14U.
On Sunday, the Lady Mambas continued their winning streak, defeating the Pink Panthers 2029 in the semifinals 43-34. In a thrilling championship match, the Mambas edged out WV Wild with a hard-fought 35-30 win to clinch the title.
This tournament victory improves their season record to 17-5 and earns them a qualification for the Bracket SPORTZ National Championships in Gatlinburg, Tenn., June 28-29. With three more in-state tournaments ahead and a major event in Charlotte, N.C., June 12–15, the Lady Mambas are locked in and ready to finish the season strong.
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