Boyd advances to NACA finals

Senior Lia Wright has helped the Lady Broncos get one win away from a title.

The Lady Broncos are going to get a chance to end their historic season with a championship. Boyd will play for a NACA tournament Friday morning, facing HEART Homeschool from Florida at 10:30 a.m. in Dayton.

Boyd earned its way into the finals the same way it has rolled through its schedule all year – completely dominating its competition. The Lady Broncos took down Mt. Pleasant from Alabama in the quarterfinals 56-6 and Tri-Cities Christian School 64-10 in the semifinals.

The Lady Broncos have looked like a team on a mission after falling in the TSIAA finals last week. Boyd has pushed its win total to 35 – by far a school record – with its latest pair of blowouts. Boyd has now won 13 games this season by 50 or more points.

Coach Tim Page knows his team doesn’t care if Friday’s win comes by 100 or 1 --- they just want to make sure they leave Dayton with a title.

“These seniors are determined to hang a banner in JK Stanley Gymnasium,” said coach Page, who has already guided the team to a TSIAA division title this season.

Lia Wright and Anna Jones are two seniors doing damage in Dayton. Wright had seven points in the quarterfinals, then upped it to 13 Thursday in the semis. Jones has added her usual dash of 3-point shooting, scoring 15 points total this week.

Sophomore sensation Laney Copeland has continued her great year, scoring 12 and 16 points, respectively, in the victories. The point guard has led the team in scoring in both games.

The scoring has been spread out though. Audrey Durham and Jaycie Hodges both stepped up with 10 points each in the quarterfinals Wednesday, showing their great touch around the rim against Mt. Pleasant.

Emma Miller had one of her best games of the season Thursday, scoring eight points against TCCA, while Kelly Bush has six points in each outing.

While the Lady Broncos have had no issues getting buckets, Page believes the team’s defense is why Boyd will play for a NACA championship Friday.

“They have played relentless defense and that’s been the key to their run. They have given up just nine points total in the first half of our two games. Our defense also helps us transition into easy buckets,” said Page.

There is not much information about Friday’s foe except for their 63-28 win over the Bradley Knights in the semifinals. Boyd has previously beaten Bradley by 42 and 39 points this season.

More information on Boyd’s championship hopes can be found on the WCSA website this weekend.

Boyd 56, MPCS 6

Lady Bronco scoring – Laney Copeland 12, Audrey Durham 10, Jaycie Hodges 10, Lia Wright 7, Anna Jones 7, Kelly Bush 6, Cydney Perry 4

Boyd 64, TCCA 10

Lady Bronco scoring – Laney Copeland 16, Lia Wright 13, Anna Jones 8, Emma Miller 8, Audrey Durham 8, Kelly Bush 6, Jaycie Hodges 3, Krista Chisam 2