We continue Championship Saturday, now heading to the 4A Division between Cannon and Rabun Gap. Both teams had weapons and looked to use that. We were all tied up after the first quarter at 13, but Cannon was able to take the narrow edge heading into halftime 24-19. Cannon’s Samyha Suffren, the Virginia Tech commit, played strong in attacking and penetrating the defense. Her leadership and aggressive nature allowed her team to grab the narrow edge in what was a low-scoring game in the first half.
Second half though, Rabun Gap started to find success inside and out, cutting into the lead and finding ways to score inside the paint but also knocking down shots. It allowed Rabun Gap to overcome the first-half deficit and take the lead late in the third quarter. Kornelia Ignerska was one of the catalysts, but several others stepped up to hit big shots from outside. Rabun Gap led 36-33 at the end of the third, as this looked to go down as a thriller between these two teams. It was a back-and-forth type affair; every time Cannon had a score, Rabun Gap would answer right back as it helped them hold a narrow lead late in the fourth quarter.
Cannon had a few chances to cut into the lead in the final minute or so, but shots didn’t fall and Rabun Gap was able to seal the win from the free throw line, ultimately winning the 4A State Title.
Final: Rabun Gap 53 – Cannon 43