NP advances to regional final over Heritage Christian

North Putnam's Annabelle Gross (pictured) finishes off a steal with a layup, helping the Cougars build a 15-point lead late in Saturday's regional matchup with Heritage Christian, a lead that would shrink to five before ending with a 60-51 win over the Eagles. North Putnam faces University Saturday night at 8 p.m. in the Southmont Regional final.

Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT

North Putnam will face University in the Southmont Girls' Basketball Regional final Saturday night at 8 p.m. after defeating Heritage Christian 60-51 in the afternoon.

The Cougars started off quickly with an 8-0 lead, later using a pair of threes from Kyla Willis and Marin Davies to take a 16-9 lead into the second quarter.

An eight-point lead soon dissipated after a 10-0 Eagle run gave Heritage Christian a 23-21 advantage.

Trailing 26-23, North Putnam closed the half with an 8-0 run with free throws from Davies and Willis, a basket from Kyndal Brewer and a Sami Hoops three to lead 31-26 at the break.

The Cougars steadily built their lead in the third quarter, reaching 13 at 45-32, and taking a 45-34 advantage into the final eight minutes.

Heritage Christian, trailing 56-41 inside the final three minutes, managed a 10-0 run to get the score down to 56-51 but Davies and Willis hit the final four Cougar foul shots while the defense did enough to hold the Eagles scoreless in the final 35 seconds to secure the win.

North Putnam faces defending regional champion No. 6 University Saturday night at 8 p.m.