Paxton stops Malone girls in regional semis

PAXTON - Stevie Davidson had 75 seconds on a basketball court that most players dream about.

Paxton’s junior guard forced a five-second call, scored a basket and hit 3 of 4 free throws to lead the Bobcats to a 47-43 come-from-behind win over Malone in the girls Class 1A regional semifinals on Tuesday.

The Bobcats (24-5) will host FAMU, a 58-19 winner over St. Francis, in the regional finals Saturday.

LaTisha Sims’ basket with 5:37 left in the game put the Tigers up 40-32, but Davidson and her teammates weren’t through yet.

“We knew we could lose because we were down by eight,” Davidson said. “I was nervous because we hadn’t played well.”

Following Sims’ basket, Davidson came downcourt and scored to start the rally. Baskets by Erin Walker and Vikki Pepper closed Malone’s lead to 40-38 with 4:11 remaining.

Malone built the lead back to 43-38 with 2:33 left, but the Tigers couldn’t score again. Maryllyn Gilbert scored a pair of baskets to cut the Tiger lead to 43-42. Davidson then took over down the stretch as the Bobcats pulled out the tough win.

Gilbert led all scorers with 18 points. Davidson and Pepper each had nine. Sims led Malone (17-11) with 16 points.

Paxton won the first and fourth quarters, outscoring the Tigers 32-18 to start and end the game. The strong start and finish made the difference as Malone controlled the middle of the game.

Although the Bobcats led 22-21 at the half, the Tigers were clearly the dominant team in the second quarter as Paxton appeared tired.

MALONE (43)

Olds 6, Sims 16, Lasiter 4, Brown 11, Smith 6. Totals 16 7-19 43.

PAXTON (47)

Gilbert 18, Walker 4, Davidson 9, Pepper 9, Infinger 5, McCormick 2. Totals 20 4-7 47.

Malone 8 13 12 10—43

Paxton 15 7 8 17—47