The Foley Lions’ historic season came to an end in the girls’ basketball state semifinals Thursday in Birmingham with a 51-33 loss to the Sparkman Senators at Legacy Arena.

First-year head coach Emily Flanigan helped lead a 23-6 season where Foley finished ranked No. 7 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s poll and undefeated in Class 7A Area 2 play all with only eight players on the roster.

“I'm so proud of them; I'm proud of who they are on and off the court,” Flanigan said in the postgame press conference. “I couldn't be who I am without them, I appreciate everything they've done. We did our best but we came up short. I’m proud of them.”

Jestiny Dixon was a standout all season for the Lions and closed her senior campaign with a double-double featuring 14 points and 15 rebounds to go along with 4 steals and an assist.

“It feels good to be the first (from Foley to make it this far). I hope there's many things to come in the future,” Dixon said. “To play 32 minutes, coach prepared us with 6 a.m. practices and a lot of conditioning. It's a mental thing — you have to keep pushing even when you're tired.”

Junior Ashauntee Hobbs joined Dixon in playing all 32 minutes and scoring double digits with 11 points to complement 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

“It doesn't matter, we play with heart no matter how many players we have. We stuck together. As long as we had each other, it didn't matter how many players or support staff we had,” Hobbs said. “It means a lot to be a Foley Lady Lion.”

Athletes share appreciation for coach

Both athletes from the 7A Central Region all-tournament team members made sure to highlight Flanigan’s impact on the team’s record-breaking year.

“She makes everything happen, even though she has her own family she makes everything happen. I'm so grateful,” Dixon said.

“Coach means the world to us. She is basically our mom. She takes care of us, whatever we need she's there. She's on top of us at practice, making sure we have what we need, doing what we need to,” Hobbs said. “She makes sure we're a student before an athlete. The small thing matters to her, and whatever matters to her matters to us. She holds this team together.”

The head coach thanked the support of those in their final year for setting the example for those coming back.

“I’m grateful for our seniors who have given a stepping stone to the younger girls to continue our progression,” Flanigan said.

Up next

Sparkman (26-8) moves onto Saturday’s Class 7A state title game against two-time defending champion Hoover (34-1).

For Foley, Hobbs said she too looked forward to using that stepping stone.

“Next year we’re going to keep grinding, doing the same thing, playing ball,” Hobbs said. “Our ball. Foley ball.”

Stat sheet

Jestiny Dixon: 14 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 assist

Ashauntee Hobbs: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists

Keiyonla Knight: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assist

Charlicia Odom: 1 point, 4 rebounds, 1 steal

Amiyah Carvin: 4 rebounds, 1 assist

Ja’Kovia Barnett: 2 steals, 1 rebound