Class 4 Girls Basketball Semifinal: Lift for Life Secures Overtime Victory
In Columbia, Missouri, Zha Harris expressed disbelief as she gazed skyward with a puzzled expression. The sophomore guard for Lift For Life was taken aback by her scoreless performance in the initial quarter of the Class 4 girls basketball state semifinal clash against Chillicothe on Wednesday.
Struggling to find her rhythm, Harris missed several open shots, prompting her to acknowledge her subpar start, stating, “I’m not doing my job. I better get going. This team needs me to step up.”
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, the sharpshooter swiftly turned the tide. Overcoming her early struggles, Harris delivered a stellar performance, achieving a career-high 32 points to propel the Hawks to an 85-77 triumph in a tightly contested match at Mizzou Arena, ultimately dominating in the overtime period.
With this victory, Lift For Life, boasting a 27-3 record, has emerged victorious in 19 of its last 20 games and is now poised to square off against Park Hills Central (27-4) in the championship showdown scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Reflecting on the upcoming final, sophomore guard Diamond Polk exuded confidence, asserting, “We’re not the team that we were last year. They’re going to see that (Thursday).”
Anticipating a rematch with Park Hills Central, Lift For Life coach Chantell Polk expressed satisfaction with their advancement to the championship game, eagerly eyeing a chance for redemption.
Harris’s remarkable resurgence in the latter part of the game was pivotal in securing the Hawks’ placement in the final. Her tenacity and offensive prowess, especially evident in the third and fourth quarters and overtime, played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Diamond Polk contributed 19 points, while freshman Amaya Manuel added 16 points, seven rebounds, and a significant game-changing shot. Additionally, junior Alandyn Simmons made a notable impact off the bench, chipping in with six points and leading the team in rebounds.
The intense showdown saw Chillicothe’s senior standout Jolie Bonderer amass an impressive 36 points and 11 rebounds, keeping the game fiercely competitive throughout.
As Lift For Life gears up for the championship game, the team’s focus remains resolute on clinching the coveted title. Harris expressed confidence in their abilities, emphasizing their collective determination and readiness to seize the moment.
This victory marks a significant step for Lift For Life, a school based in the Soulard neighborhood of downtown St. Louis, as they strive to add a Class 4 championship to their accolades, following their Class 3 title triumph in 2021.