GDW Analysis:
BIRMINGHAM: There was no hesitation from Good Hope Lady Raiders coach Justin Aby after his team survived a strong challenge by St. Michael Catholic Tuesday at the BJCC Arena.
The Lady Raiders managed to hit 4 consecutive free throws in a span of 21 seconds late in the game, securing a 38 to 30 triumph.
Good Hope showed poise in hitting 80 percent from the stripe. Jolee McHan converted two with 0:46 to go. That put the lead to 6.
At 0:25, Sophie Konrad completed the Lady Raiders' 12 straight victory and 27th out of 32 games.
Aby now is playing for a state crown in 2025 following the 2024 season with the Lady Raiders earning it in Class 4A over TR Miller.
"I am proud of how we competed. It was not a prettiest win at all."
Aby called the victory in a phase about being focused. Also, Aby took note of winning the rebounding battle with his squad under sized by St. Michael having 5'9" and two at 5'11."
Good Hope got 43 rebounds, 18 from the offensive side and 25 by their defense.
St. Michael started with a 4 to 0 lead. Five straight points by Sophie Konrad sent Good Hope on top as they stayed there for the rest of the contest.
It was 11 to 7 Lady Raiders following the first. Good Hope had a hard time shooting and hitting in leading 19 to 14 at halftime.
The Lady Raiders made just 7 of 26 FG tries with the Cardinals going 4 for 21.
Leading 29 to 22 to start the 4th, the Lady Raiders got a three by Konrad and a FG from Jolee McHan to a 34 to 22 lead.
The next 8 points were scored by St. Michael. The first time visitor to the Final Four trailed 34 to 30 with 1:33 remaining.
Good Hope had some good plays from the defense and the FTs by McHan and Konrad to put the victory in their grasp.
Konrad, the 8th grader, tallied 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Ava McSwain had 13 and 9 boards, McHan got 6 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Konrad, McSwain and McHan accounted for 12 of the team's 18 offensive rebounds. Konrad stood out on the defensive end with a team high 9 boards.
Good Hope will go for the 4A title Friday at 12:30 p.m. from Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
Photo of Good Hope center Jolee McHan in the AHSAA NW Regional vs. Deshler February 18.
Photo courtesy of Martha Needham.
