The Chapel Hill Lady Panthers repeated as the DCSD Middle School Girls' Basketball county champions with a 54-18 win over the Champion Lady Chargers.

The Chapel Hill Lady Panthers repeated as the DCSD Middle School Girls’ Basketball county champions with a 54-18 win over the Champion Lady Chargers.

The Chapel Hill Lady Panthers much anticipated meeting with the undefeated Champion Lady Chargers in the DeKalb County Middle School Girls’ Basketball Championships title game turned into a 54-18 victory as Chapel Hill repeated as the champions at Miller Grove High School on Saturday.

Chapel Hill went undefeated a year ago to win the title but entered the game with one loss on the season (13-1) with the undefeated Chargers (14-0) waiting for the opportunity to unseat the defending champions.

The Panthers jumped to a quick 6-0 only to have Champion pull within 9-6 on steal by Madison Diggs with 1:37 to play in the opening frame.

It would be the last made shot from the floor for Champion the rest of the first half and the Panthers would go on a 9-0 run keyed by a three-pointer out of the hands of Deyonna Christopher. Christopher would dd another basket to go with one by Mauri Barnes in the run. Londyn Nolley finished off the quarter with two free throws for an 18-6 lead.

Chapel Hill’s defense played a crucial role in the first half holding Champion to just two made shots on 17 attempts and helping force 22 turnovers with its full-court press.

A 17-point run in the second quarter fueled by 10 points at the hands of Nolley extended the lead to 36-9 on the way to a 36-11 halftime lead.

Chapel Hill's Marisah Thomas (with ball) drives against Champion's Kayla Reynolds (32) during first half action of Chapel Hill's championship win over Champion. Thomas was named the game's MVP for her play in Chapel Hill's win. (Photo by Mark Brock)

Chapel Hill’s Marisah Thomas (with ball) drives against Champion’s Kayla Reynolds (32) during first half action of Chapel Hill’s championship win over Champion. Thomas was named the game’s MVP for her play in Chapel Hill’s win. (Photo by Mark Brock)

Champion’s shooting woes continued in the third quarter as the Chargers went just 2-7 as Chapel Hill continued to add to its lead.

A three-pointer by Marisah Thomas opened second half play for Chapel Hill and offensive put backs by Nolly and Barnes quickly made it a 43-10 advantage before Champion got back-to-back baskets from Rakiah Miller and Kinsey Johnson.

Another 9-0 run by finished off by a Zhatiliya Blakely all but closed out the scoring for the rest of game giving Chapel Hill a 52-15 lead.

Noel McCrae’s basket on an assist from Diggs ended the third period for Champion with Chapel Hill taking 52-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Champion got a free throw from Diggs and Zoe Roberts added the final points for the Panthers to make the final of 54-18.

Marisah Thomas finished the game with 14 points and four rebounds along with some great defensive play to be named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Londyn Nolley finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead Chapel Hill in both departments.

Rakiah Miller hit for seven points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Champion.