Yes, for the record books it was a state title loss to Hebron Christian Wednesday in Macon. Still, the 46-42 blemish was a huge Holy Innocents' effort, considering down by 10 to start the fourth quarter and playing most of the final stanza with three starters fouled out.
 
Coach Nathan Teymer's squad trailed 41-31 to start the fourth, but battled back behind baskets from Loriel Murray, Elana McMasters, and two huge 3's from Parker Smith to cut the lead to one with just 2:46 remaining.
 
Unfortunately, the Lions – borderline horrible from the free throw line for most of the game – converted key ones down the stretch to ice the win.
 
The Bears led by 10 in the opening period 14-4 and took a 14-6 lead into the second, but Hebron came out exploding in the second with a 20-2 run that saw our Bears forced into nine turnovers during the stretch. 
 
HI righted the ship somewhat to cut it to a 30-24 deficit at half, though the third period saw the Lions regain the 10-point margin at 39-29.
 
In the last eight minutes. Murray (10 points) fouled out with 6:27 remaining; Makayla Weaver (10 points) did the same with 4:53 left, and McMasters (8 points) went out at the 3:49 mark. 
 
From there, however, it was the defense and rebounding of Aaniyah Branch and the sharpshooting of Smith that gave the Bears a shot before the Lions sealed it at the charity stripe.
 
Branch finished the game with eight blocked shots and 16 rebounds. 
 
HI finishes the season at 24-7, region champs, and a great season in Coach Teymer's first year at the helm.