Things warmed up for both, especially for Blackman, as the Blaze won 57-46 and will advance to play Riverdale at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the finals.

Blackman won a strong second quarter 21-11 and led by 10 at the half.

Behind the third quarter play of Shanice Cason (who ends a brilliant Siegel career) and Kelsey Naish, the Stars cut the lead to four points but could get no closer.

Blackman responded and eventually led by 13 before winning by 11 points.

Scoring

Siegel: Shanice Cason 13, Imani Chatman 2, Kelsey Naish 11, Shelbie Davenport 9, Maddie Denton 8, Maddie Francescon 3

Blackman: Tiera Norris 5, Kelsey Nowlin 13, Katie Smith 4, Amy Duke 6, Kortnay Cox 17, Chelsey Hall 3, Micah Norris 3, Morgan Miller 2.

•••

The Lawrence County girls (29-3) have dealt Riverdale (30-1) some hurting losses over the years and with ex-Riverdale Assistant Coach Wendy Scott coaching them you had reason to worry.

After watching Riverdale sleep walk through the first four minutes, you wondered if we were in for one of “those” games.

After winning a close first quarter 15-10, Riverdale woke up and won the second quarter 23-10 and the game 66-44.

Riverdale had two explosive periods in this game, and both were caused by the inspired play of Tyisha Petty and Olivia Jones.

The second quarter (explosion No. 1) was triggered by the Riverdale press.

After the half, Riverdale actually lost the wild and woolly third quarter 12-10, but the second explosion followed, when Riverdale scored eight unanswered points in 100 seconds.

The game was over, even tough there was no quit in the Wildcats.

Scoring

Lawrence County: Abby Clayton 7, Ariel Edmondson 2, Jessa Hunt 6, Aryanna Gilbert 14, Kiana Gilbert 7, Megan Moore 4, Emily Williams 4

Riverdale: Shacobia Barbee-19, Tyisha Petty 15, Olivia Jones 17, Ashley Henry 2, Jessica Azor 5, Alex Middleton 8