Cynthia Thompson speaks on Brewbaker girls basketball and Erin Martin's impact to the program
Brewbaker Tech girls' basketball fell short in Wednesday's class 5A semifinal game against Jasper 64-31. After trailing a majority of the contest, head coach Cynthia Thompson broke down what Jasper did well in to roll past them to the state title game.
"Jasper can really shoot the ball," Thompson said. "When they started shooting, they kept shooting and did not stop shooting. We contested shots and closed out on shooters; And did everything we can do but they were just hitting shots. When you have a team that's constantly hitting shots what can you do but play your game."
"I'm disappointed that we could not get the win but on and off the court this group has worked hard and showed why they deserved to play on this stage."
More: BrewTech advances to final four defeating Marbury in AHSAA Central regional final
Brewbaker Tech's Kennedi McGhee and Jillian Baine each scored nine points to lead the Lady Rams in scoring. McGhee added 11 rebounds and two blocks. Erin Martin finished with seven points and eight rebounds in her final game with Brewbaker Tech.
"I'm going to miss all three of my seniors," Thompson said. "Erin especially is a really important senior."
Martin will be playing college basketball at Tennesse State University this fall. She finishes her career as the all-time steals' leader in program history. In her senior season she averaged 15.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals. She also surpassed 1,000 career points.
Reflecting on her high school years, she expressed her gratitude to Brewbaker for making her the player she is today.
"I started here my ninth-grade year and originally I was a shy kid at first. I would not speak and have my head down during practice and just work," Martin said. "I have become such a great player in these last four years, and it has allowed me to go to school for basketball. I have had a good career here at Brewbaker."
With veterans like Baine and McGhee retuning next season for the Lady Rams, Thompson has high hopes for her group heading into the offseason.
"I love my girls and I tell them that every single day," Thompson said. "They worked hard every day this year and that won't change next year."
Jerry Humphrey III is a sports writer for the Montgomery Advertiser who covers area high school sports, Auburn recruiting and Alabama State athletics. Follow him on Twitter @jerryhump3.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Cynthia Thompson speaks on Brewbaker girls basketball after final four defeat
