The defending state champions in the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian played like champions Wednesday night, rolling past Redan 81-41 to advance to the Region 5-3A Championship game.
With the tournament being hosted at GAC, the Spartans not only had the home-court advantage but the championship pedigree and play to help them dominate big over the Raiders.
Spartans senior center Laurren Randolph led all scorers with 20 points on the night as the Raiders had no answer for her in the painted area. Guards Kayleigh Addie and Jaci Bolden added 19 and 18 points in a team effort that had four players finishing in double digits for points.
The Raiders sought an upset after defeating Douglass Monday night in the first round of the region tournament.
The first quarter involved both teams trading baskets early. For the Raiders, this was a big confidence booster early as they were able to compete. The Spartans were able to go on a late run to end the first quarter as they led 16-8.
The Spartans took control in the second quarter, scoring 20 points. Ball movement and rotations left players such as Addie and Bolden open for shots. The Spartans lead 36-16 at halftime.
All of the third quarter belonged to the Spartans as they built on their 20 point lead and increased it to 26 at the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter is where Laurren Randolph put her stamp on the game and became an unstoppable force on the glass.
After getting blocked by Raiders guard Jayla Cook, Cook yelled in Randolph’s face which woke up a monster in Randolph. Randolph went on a tear scoring 11 points in the quarter as the Raiders had no answer.
As the buzzer went off, 81-41 was the score in favor of the Spartans. Friday the Spartans will play Westminster in the region championship.
