THA girls advance to state basketball semifinals

Thomas Heyward Academy turned up the defense in the second half Monday night, allowing just nine points, and routed Calhoun Academy, 60-20, in the SCISAA Class 2-A girls basketball playoffs at the Sumter Civic Center.

The Rebels (25-0) advance to play Colleton Prep at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the state semifinals.

"We shut them down in the second half," Rebels coach Gay Mazzanna said. "We stepped it up defensively. We did a lot more double-teaming and rotating to their open man."

Senior Caitlyn Cooler led Thomas Heyward with 24 points. Senior forward Kayla Canavan scored 17, junior Jamie Malphrus added seven and senior Ashlie Layman scored five and added 13 rebounds.

"We were in control the whole game," Mazzanna said.

Region 1-AA Player of the Year Brielle Jungbut, who missed the Rebels' playoff opener on Friday due to illness, returned to play a handful of minutes.

"She should be ready to go on Thursday," Mazzanna said.

Ashley Spiers led the Cavaliers (13-9) with 18 points.

The Rebels are familiar with Thursday's opponent, having already beaten Colleton Prep twice this season.

"They will try and play a similar style to us," Mazzanna said. "We'll just have to do what we do and do it better."