Three-peat.

That is what the North Forrest Lady Eagles were able to do Friday night, becoming Region 8-2A District Champions as they defeated the East Marion Lady Eagles 64-44.

"It's a tough thing to do, to three-peat. I tell the girls all the time that it's a difficult thing to do to just go undefeated. I've got a great group of girls who come to practice every day and are committed to put in the work and get better. Going into the playoffs that's what we are looking for, commitment. We will have to work hard," said North Forrest head coach Otto Crawford.

Sophomore guard Kailyn Wilson was instrumental in the Lady Eagles victory, scoring 21 of their 64 points.

"She is fearless in everything she does. She is every bit of that 21 she scored tonight because she's so fearless," said Crawford.

In the first period, North Forrest trailed 7-1 before storming back later in the period on shots from Wilson and a three to end the period from freshman Jade Banks to come within one, 14-13.

"I think because we are young and a little inexperienced it takes us some time to get set and in a groove. I try to tell them that you can't lose the game within the first minute or based on one or two plays. So, we just stayed in on our defensive set and got a few set plays in on offense to stay confident and do what we can do," explained Crawford about the slow start.

A Wilson three at the start of the second period put North Forrest up 16-14 and the Lady Eagles never looked back. Made baskets from Sequoia Bouldin and Mohagany McNulty extended their lead to as much as 15 points during the period. A made free throw at the end of the second period gave the Lady Eagles from North Forrest a 16-point, 36-20 lead heading into the break.

North Forrest kept a comfortable lead throughout the second half as Wilson and her company kept the pressure up on the offensive side of the ball while allowing only 14 second-half points.

The Lady Eagles finish their season as tournament champions and await their opponent for the upcoming 2A playoffs in the coming days.

Notes

St. Patrick defeated North Forrest 44-39 to become the boys Region 8-2A District Champions.

North Forrest's leading scorer was Joseph Holloway with 16 points on the evening. St. Patrick was led by junior Drew Roth who scored a game-high 19 points.

Both teams will advance to postseason play.