It's off to Macon for the state finals for the second year in a row for our HIES Lady Bears, as a big fourth quarter pushed Coach Nathan Teymer's squad past GAC 49-44. HI will face Hebron Christian in what will be a rematch of last year's title clash at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Macon Coliseum.
 
The Spartans led 36-32 with 5:41 left, but two free throws from MaKayla Weaver, and a field goal and a three from Elana McMasters righted the ship and put the Bears up three. The Spartans would cut it two with 2:49 left, but Loriel Murray knocked down four points down the stretch, and Teymer's bunch connected on 4-for-4 free throw shooting to ice the game.
 
GAC had its chance in the opening half, as both Aaniyah Branch and Murray picked up two fouls each within the first two minutes of the game. But the Spartans shot it poorly from inside and out, while Makayla Weaver connected on 11 first half points in giving the Bears a narrow 17-16 lead at half.
 
Murray, who returned late in the second period to score two baskets, scored nine points in the final stanza, while Branch was big in return with a key basket and some blocked shots.
 
All in all, the game saw a slow start from both teams (0-0 at the halfway point of the first period), only to pick up steam as the game progressed. Makayla, besides her 13 point scoring, had four steals in the opening half in coming up big at both ends of the floor. Murray also added 13 and McMasters 11 to round out the double figure scoring.