(San Antonio, Texas)-At the University Interscholastic League State 2A Girls Basketball Championships, Gruver HS Lady Hounds (33-0) captured its second state title by defeating Stamford HS Lady Dawgs 50-38. The Lady Hounds made state tournament appearances in 2003, 15, 20, and 2022, winning titles in 2020 and now, 2022.
In the first half, the Lady Hounds were all over the court with 5’11 power forward Bailey Maupin getting a hard-fought rebound and she would race down court all by herself and scored to give the Lady Hounds a 15-9 lead in the first period. Teammate Kimberly Whitehead added a three-pointer for the Lady Hounds.
In the second period, Maupin was unstoppable. Her drives down court were fast-paced and her passing ability were incredibly, unbelievable. On a block, Maupin again, raced down court, via baseline, and spotted point guard Brenna Butler for two points to make it 19-11. Butler would score again on a steal to put the Lady Hounds up 21-11. The half ended with the Lady Hounds ahead 23-12. ”She (Maupin) is tough to defend. She was in a league of her own,” said head coach Joe Crabb from Stamford HS.
The second half, was just about the same, if not, simply incredible. Maupin ended the third period with a draining three-pointer to give the Lady Hounds a commanding 36-26 lead going into the final period.
In the fourth period, Stamford HS Laylonna Applin nailed a much needed three-pointer to make it 39-31 with 5:49 left to play. Head coach Joe Crabb watched anxiously, for a miracle.
Trent Lankford, Gruver head coach decided to call timeout with less than 5:38 left to play to regroup and that proved to be the right call at the right time.
Maupin finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds to earn MVP honors. In the end, a tearful Maupin and head coach Lankford spent time hugging each other on the court as they won their second title in three years. “I just thanked my coach for his support. He is part of my family. Winning a second title was a perfect ending,” said Maupin.
The Lady Greyhounds out rebounded Stamford 39-20 and shot 40% from the field while converting 8-of-11 free throws. ”Our rebounding was the deciding factor today,” added Lankford.
Samford HS leading scorers were Shandlee Mueller and Tylee Jo Bevel both ended the day with 13 points each. This was Stamford HS Lady Dawgs first tournament final. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)
