Brandt's buzzer-beater sends Lady Hornets to title game

Fulton to play Hermann tonight for championship at Montgomery County

When the Fulton Lady Hornets received a do-over, junior forward NaShayla Brandt delivered in dramatic style.

Brandt's basket underneath as time expired lifted No. 4 seed Fulton to a thrilling 52-51 triumph over the top-seeded Clopton Lady Hawks in the semifinals of the Montgomery County Invitational Tournament on Wednesday night.

The victory also sent the Lady Hornets to the title game at 9 tonight against No. 3 seed Hermann. The Lady Bearcats advanced by downing No. 7 seed Montgomery County 36-26 in Wednesday night's other semifinal.

"We went nuts," Fulton head coach TJ Quick said Thursday of the celebration after Brandt's game-winner. "It was a good feeling. The girls deserve it; they worked hard all game long."

The Lady Hornets (2-0) ran an inbound play with about 10 seconds remaining, looking for a backdoor cut to the basket. Junior guard Sloane Totta dribbled into the lane but was tied up for a jump ball, although Fulton retained possession with :04 to go.

Attempting another backdoor cut, the Lady Hornets inbounded the ball to Totta again. She penetrated the lane and was able to dump the ball off to Brandt, who dropped in the decisive basket at the buzzer. Fulton outscored Clopton 16-13 in the fourth quarter to overcome a 38-36 deficit.

Quick noted that it was satisfying to see her squad rewarded with a tight victory.

"This team is special; the bulk of our players are juniors and have been with me for two years," Quick said. "They've been working hard every day and we've been right there (at the end of games).

"It's nice to see the ball finally bounce our way."

Brandt and junior guard Rachel Guse registered a pair of double-doubles to spark the Lady Hornets. Brandt finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Guse had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Brandt and Guse's work on the boards powered Fulton to an impressive 45-26 rebounding advantage.

"We have to protect the paint because we have a height weakness," Quick said. "You can't just say you have to (rebound). The girls have worked hard on that in practice and that's ingrained in their memory, and is a team concept."

The Lady Hornets, meanwhile, had to overcome 20 turnovers.

"That's an area we have to clean up and get better prepared to face pressure," Quick said.

Lauren Lagemann topped Clopton with a game-high 21 points, including six 3-pointers. Sabrina Stewart followed with 12 points.