The Stephenson Lady Jaguars closed out an undefeated season with a big defensive second half to knock off previously unbeaten Lithonia Lady Bulldogs 29-23 to claim the 2025 DeKalb County Junior Varsity Girls’ Championship title at Miller Grove on Saturday morning.

Essence Grier had the Bulldogs (11-1) up 12-5 in the second quarter behind three three-pointers when the Jaguars (12-0) began to rally with a 6-0 run capped by three by Faith Fuller pulled Stephenson within 12-11 at the half.

Stephenson came out in the second half holding Lithonia without a basket (0-26) for 12:34 including just two free throws (2-6) in the third quarter to take command of the game.

Trailing 13-11 with 6:44 to play following a free throw by Myiah Cutler, the Jaguars went on a 12-0 run. Cyncere Sims-Turner got the run started with a layup on an assist from Jiasiah Coggins to tie the game. She and Taylor Johnson had four points each in the run and Jessica Mays two free throws made it a 23-13 advantage with 1:01 left in the quarter.

Jakiyah Jackson hit a free throw for Lithonia to break the drought to make it 23-14 heading into the fourth quarter.

Trailing 27-18 with 1:26 to play, Grier drained a three-pointer for the first second half basket for the Bulldogs to cut the deficit to six (27-21).

Rachel O’Neal hit a pir of free throws with 49 seconds remaining to give Stephenson a 29-21 cushion. Jester got a rebound off her own missed free throw and a put back for the Bulldogs for the final score of the game with 15 seconds to play to close out the 29-23 finish.

Stephenson’s Faith Fuller finished with six points (2 threes) while leading the offense to be named the Most Valuable Player for the game. Taylor Johnson added 6 points and 3 rebounds to go with five points and 11 rebounds from Avantey Gilreath for Stephenson.

Grier finished the game with 15 points and six rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Jester added seven points and nine rebounds for Lithonia.