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2020 2A North Semi-State Frankton v South Central

By Randy Beckett
Updated: February 25, 2020

The 2A North Semi-State featured two squads that didn’t show up in the final 2A Coaches Poll. Frankton Eagles (20-7) , was not among the favorites to get out of their sectional, and the South Central (Union Mills) Satellites (21-7). South Central would draw first blood with the first five points of the contest but the Eagles would keep within striking distance. At the 1:00 minute mark Addie Gardner would splash a three to give Frankton their first lead at 12-11. The fist quarter would end where it started tied, 14-14. After South Central connected on a three to open the second quarter, Frankton would go on a 8-0 run to take their biggest lead at 22-17. The half would end with the Eagles leading 30-24. Both teams used the three ball in the first half with the Satellites connecting on 6, but on 21 attempts, while Frankton hit 5 on just 11 attempts. Ava (8) and Addie (7) Gardner combined for 15 points in the first half for the Eagles. Both sophomore Delanie Gale and Abbie Tomblin had 8 at the break for South Central. Frankton would stretch their lead to the largest of the game at 10 points, 39-29, with 2:16 remaining in the third. The fourth quarter would start with the Eagles leading 44-37. With 2:30 left the lead was gone and the game was tied 49-49. A big three by Lauryn Bates with 1:37 remaining gave Frankton a 53-49 advantage. However, Amber Wolf’s jumper with 20 seconds would tie the game at 55 and ultimately send the game to overtime thanks to a possible game saving block by the Eagle’s Chloe Thomas in the closing seconds. Three lead changes in the OT including a pair of free throws by Ava Gardner , after a critical steal, to put Frankton back up with 30 seconds remaining. South Central would get three more chances at the win which include a last second fade away layup attempt from Delanie Gale that wouldn’t connect and Frankton came away with the Final Four OT thriller 62-61 win. Frankton was led by a career high 29 point outburst from junior sharpshooter Ava Gardner, while Lauren Bates finished with 11 points. South Central was led by senior Amber Wolf who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Frankton was able to overcome a 42-34 deficit on the boards by shooting 37% from the three point line. The Satellites shot only 24% from three on 33 attempts and 5-13 from the free throw line. Frankton advances to the state title game to face Linton-Stockton.