North Augusta overhelms Westwood in 4A Girls Upper State final

Westwood’s first trip to the Upper State wasn’t one to remember, but coach Gregory Bauldrick hopes it’s not the last.

Defending state champion North Augusta turned in another dominating performance in the 58-32 win against the Redhawks on Friday in the Class 4A Upper State championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

“It was a heck of an experience for our team,” Bauldrick said. “Now, I hope they understand what it takes to compete at the state championship level. We will use this as a learning experience and look forward to bouncing back.”

Westwood finishes the season with a school-record 23 victories.

North Augusta moves on to its second consecutive title game and faces Wilson at 5 p.m. March 3 at The Colonial Life Arena. It’s the second year in a row the teams will meet in the state title game.

Amari Young scored 22 points and Mya Burns 14 added for the Yellow Jackets, who have won 53 of their past 54 games and haven’t lost to an in-state team in more than two years. Their average margin of victory headed into the game was 39.9 points.

North Augusta’s suffocating brand of defense set the tone against the Redhawks, who Bauldrick said might have been shell-shocked at times. The Yellow Jackets scored 26 of the game’s first 30 points and led 40-9 at halftime.

Westwood also committed 22 turnovers, many coming of NA’s pressure.

“We fully believe four quarters of Lady Jacket defense will wear anyone down, and we did it tonight,” NA coach Crystal Cummings said. “Our mission at the beginning of the year was to repeat, and we are excited we get a chance to defend the title.”

Nyah Leveretter led Westwood with eight points, and Unique Drake and Mya Belton had seven each.

Bauldrick was happy with the way his team responded in the second half and hopes to use this experience going forward. The Redhawks will return the bulk of their roster next season, including Drake, Leveretter and Maliyah Lockett, who left the game with an ankle injury.

This story was originally published February 23, 2018 at 9:33 PM with the headline "North Augusta overhelms Westwood in 4A Girls Upper State final."