Briarwood Christian defense dominates Central-Clay County in regional final

Lions force 21 turnovers in 55-32 victory to advance to state semifinals

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Briarwood Christian's relentless defense forced 21 turnovers by Central-Clay County, leading to a 55-32 victory in the Class 5A Central Regional championship game. The Lions capitalized on the Volunteers' miscues, scoring 28 points off turnovers to cruise to the win and earn a spot in the state semifinals.

Why it matters

Briarwood Christian's defensive effort and ability to turn turnovers into points proved to be the difference in the regional final. The Lions' stifling defense has been a key factor in their success this season, and their performance in this game showcases their potential to make a deep run in the state tournament.

The details

Briarwood Christian's defense swarmed Central-Clay County throughout the game, forcing 21 turnovers, including 7 steals. The Lions were able to convert those turnovers into 28 points on the other end. Senior center Emma Kerley led Briarwood with 17 points, 11 rebounds, a steal, and 3 blocks, while senior point guard Ann Tatum Baker earned regional MVP honors with 14 points and 2 steals.

  • Briarwood Christian led 15-8 after the first quarter.
  • The Lions outscored Central-Clay County 9-2 in the second quarter to take a 24-10 halftime lead.
  • Briarwood Christian gradually pulled away in the second half to coast to the 55-32 victory.

The players

Emma Kerley

A 6-foot-1 senior center for Briarwood Christian who led the team with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.

Ann Tatum Baker

The senior point guard for Briarwood Christian, who earned regional MVP honors with 14 points and 2 steals.

Zy'keria Heflin

The leading scorer for Central-Clay County with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Lorie Kerley

The head coach of Briarwood Christian, who praised her team's effort and fight through adversity in the game.

Ramyah Billingsley

A Central-Clay County player who scored 9 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“I'm super proud of the way we came out. We saw some adversity in the first half, but we fought through it. I'm really proud of them and their hard work today.”

— Lorie Kerley, Briarwood Christian head coach (al.com)

“Just don't let their best player catch it. Whenever we practice now, all we practice is press and press attack.”

— Emma Kerley, Briarwood Christian center (al.com)

“We give all glory to God as we play, and I think it's just really exciting for us because we've been looking forward to it for such a long time. We've been working at it for many, many years, especially with this group of girls.”

— Ann Tatum Baker, Briarwood Christian senior point guard (al.com)

What’s next

Briarwood Christian will take on No. 2 Guntersville in the state semifinals on March 4 at 1 p.m. at Birmingham's Legacy Arena.

The takeaway

Briarwood Christian's dominant defensive performance, led by seniors Emma Kerley and Ann Tatum Baker, propelled the Lions to the regional championship and a spot in the state semifinals. The team's relentless effort and ability to force turnovers and convert them into points showcases their potential to make a deep run in the state tournament.