Shanya Heath’s steal in the final 12 seconds prevented a three-point attempt by the Champion Lady Chargers to tie the game handing the Salem Lady Lions their first DeKalb County Middle School Girls’ Basketball Championship on Saturday at Miller Grove High School 39-36.

Salem (14-1) was leading 38-33 with 16.5 seconds to play in the game when Champion’s Jhia Primrose hit a free throw to complete a three-point play after being fouled on an offensive put back to pull the Lady Chargers (15-1) within 38-36.

Salem’s Kelis Hall hit one of two free throws with 12.9 seconds to play to make it 39-36. Champion called time out to set up a play to get a possible game-tying, three-point shot.

Champion inbounded the ball and moved up the court only to have Heath knock the ball away and dribble out the remaining seven seconds on the clock to secure the win for the Lions.

The game was close throughout and Primrose had closed the gap to 29-28 with 4:17 to play with another offensive rebound for a basket.

Salem answered with a free throw by Heath and then back-to-back three-pointers by Mya Perry and Heath. Another Heath basket came as she rebounded a teammate’s miss on a one-and-one to score and extend the lead to 38-30 with 45 seconds to play.

Champion clawed back within striking distance with a basket by Ryann Chaney and a free throw by Lauren Chavis, but it would not be enough.

Shanya Heath finished the game with a game-high 22 points and added 6 rebounds and the big steal at the end to earn Most Valuable player honors in Salem’s win. Mya Perry finished the game with 6 points and 8 rebounds and Kelis Hall contributed 5 points and 6 rebounds.

Champion was led by Jhia Primrose’s 11-point, 14-rebound double-double. Charmaine Owens added 11 points and Lauren Chavis 4 points and 9 rebounds.