Clark coach Rihana Houy climbed the ladder and clipped off what remained the net hanging on one of the rims at Northside Gym.She then placed it around her neck to the cheers of her players, coaches and fans who remained to witness the celebration after Clark held off Steele 52-49 to win the Region IV-6A championship Saturday.“It’s an amazing feeling,” said senior forward Aaliyah Roberson, who had a team-high 16 points. “I don’t know how to describe it right now. I’m at a loss for words.
The Cougars, who topped the Express-News area rankings for most of the season, finally broke through to the state tournament. Steele, the third seed from District 27-6A, entered Saturday’s game red-hot after disposing of three district champions.Her corner 3-point try over 6-foot-3 sophomore Arianna Roberson as time expired fell short.
The Cougars couldn’t shake the Knights, though. After leading 37-30, Steele tied it at 37 on a 3-pointer from Lena Newby with 2:12 left in the third.