Bench Firepower Ignites Dominant Win (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – Ella Smith erupted for a game-high 21 points off the bench to lead Democracy Prep’s girls basketball team to a decisive 64-32 victory over Shadow Ridge in the Class 5A state semifinals at Valley High School.[1]
Bench Firepower Ignites Dominant Win
The Blue Knights controlled the game from the outset, building a substantial lead with sharp shooting and relentless defense. Smith, a guard who does not start, delivered 21 points alongside four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots. Her performance proved pivotal, especially during a 14-3 run in the second quarter that capped with her 3-pointer and pushed the margin to 29-13.[1]
Senior guard Brayana Miles added 11 points, three rebounds, six assists and five steals, showcasing her playmaking ability. La’Niah Hicks grabbed nine rebounds, while contributions from Serenity Fox and Avery Freeman bolstered the frontcourt. Democracy Prep connected on 11 of 33 three-pointers overall, recovering from a slow 1-for-11 start in the first quarter.[1]
Defense Stifles Shadow Ridge Offense
Shadow Ridge struggled against Democracy Prep’s aggressive trapping schemes. The Mustangs’ leading scorer Jaslyn Jefferson managed just nine points and seven rebounds, limited to six points in the first quarter and three in the second before going scoreless in the second half. Democracy Prep often deployed two or three defenders on Jefferson, forcing turnovers and hurried passes.[1]
Alexa Madsen led Shadow Ridge with nine points and 12 rebounds, but the team could not mount a comeback. Coach Julius Barren noted the defensive focus mimicked preparations for the upcoming final, emphasizing rotations to disrupt key opponents.[1]
Journey of Resilience Pays Off
Democracy Prep entered the playoffs with a 15-6 record and improved to 16-6 after the semifinal triumph. The Blue Knights moved up to Class 5A from 2A after a 2023 state title, reaching the semifinals in 2024 before falling and losing the championship game last season to Centennial. They dispatched No. 7 Centennial 62-29 in the quarterfinals this year.[1][2]
The team overcame adversity, including the season-ending ACL injury to star Keonni Lewis and a flood damaging their gym. Prior wins over Shadow Ridge included 79-21 in the opener and 67-46 in league play. Barren praised Smith’s value: “Her value to the team is unmeasurable, and tonight it showed.”[1]
- Ella Smith: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
- Brayana Miles: 11 points, 6 assists, 5 steals
- La’Niah Hicks: 9 rebounds
- Jaslyn Jefferson (Shadow Ridge): 9 points, 7 rebounds
- Alexa Madsen (Shadow Ridge): 9 points, 12 rebounds
Championship Clash Awaits Top-Seeded Gaels
Democracy Prep now prepares for top-seeded Bishop Gorman in the state final at 5 p.m. Friday at Valley High. The Gaels (22-3) advanced with a 70-12 rout of Coronado, led by Aaliah Spaight’s 17 points and seven steals. They seek a sixth title under coach Sheryl Krmpotich.[1]
Smith embraced the underdog role: “We’re always the underdogs and stuff. So I feel like it’s our time to win this year.” Barren tempered excitement: “This wasn’t our goal. Our goal was a state championship.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- Democracy Prep’s depth and bench production overwhelmed Shadow Ridge in a 32-point rout.
- Strong defense limited opponents’ top scorer, setting up final preparations.
- Blue Knights chase first 5A title after years of building in the top classification.
The Blue Knights stand one victory from history, ready to leave everything on the floor against a formidable foe. Will they claim the crown? Share your predictions in the comments.
