Booker T. Washington Advances to State Playoffs

The Lady Hornets avoided elimination Saturday by topping Bishop Kelley.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:10 pm

By: News On 6

Booker T. Washington Advances to State Playoffs

Originally Published: Mar 5, 2011 6:14 PM CDT

Dave Davis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma – After getting upset by McAlester in the regional round last week, the #7 Booker T Washington Lady Hornets faced #9 Bishop Kelley in an elimination game on Saturday in Broken Arrow. Booker T responded and came up on the winning end, 47-33.

It was a close contest throughout the first half, with the Lady Hornets leading by single digits most of the way. Mariah Gilliam, who finished with a game-high 20 points, hit a three at the halftime buzzer to give the Lady Hornets a 26-15 lead going into the break. The second half was a different story, as the Lady Comets went cold and Booker T led by double digits for virtually the entire third and fourth quarters.

With the 14 point win, Booker T advances to state as the area consolation champion. Bishop Kelley is eliminated from the playoffs. The Lady Comets were led in scoring by Chelsea McKenzie, who finished with nine points.