Thursday’s victory served as redemption for the Baby Rattlers,
who fell to Grandview Prep during the 2014 finals in a 41-39 nail-biter. Grandview
Prep went on to win the state tournament. That was the last year for former
Head Coach Ahmad Aliyy, who retired after guiding the team to state
championships in 2004, 2012, and 2013. He led the program for ten years.
“I know how my team plays and how we can wreak havoc if we just play defense,” First-year Head Coach Ericka Cromartie said in a quote published by the Tallahassee Democrat. “If we just play defense first, then the offense will come. We came out today with that intensity and as the game went on it built and Grandview Prep couldn't keep up with the pressure.”
The seniors on the team were Ja'Nyia McNealy, Raygene Garner,
Ashley Carr, Keveona Rhodes, and Justice Powell.