Twin Springs decimates Hurley to advance to Region 1D semifinals

NICKELSVILLE – It didn't take long for the suspense to end in this one. Emma Ross scored 22 of her 25 points in the first half to lead Twin Springs to a dominating 77-21 Region 1D quarterfinal home victory over Hurley on Wednesday night. Twin Springs (20-7) took a 26-6 lead after one quarter and built that margin to 47-6 at halftime. "We come out and got confidence early, hit a few shots and that kind of got the confidence that we needed. Defensively, we got some turnovers, got in transition…" Twin Springs head coach Terry Bird said. "A good team win. It was good to get everybody in, got some minutes and did what we needed to do."Twin Springs (21-7) will play Honaker in the Region 1D semifinals on Friday at Riverview Elementary/Middle School in Grundy. Those squads met at the same point last season with the Tigers rolling to victory. Those teams split a pair of two-point decisions during the regular season. "They are a good team, they have got a lot of tradition." Bird said. "That is something you are always kind of fighting against is kicking that door down to break some history there. I like our chances, they are good, I think we kind of match up well with each other."The winner will advance to the Region 1D championship game on Saturday at Grundy, while also earning a Class 1 state tournament berth, which is thought to be the first ever for the girls of Twin Springs. The other semifinal contest will feature Grundy and Eastside."I have heard a little bit of both. If it is it has been one time maybe and they went as a runner-up in the region is what I have heard. It has probably been 35-40 years ago," said Bird, on whether the Titans had ever advanced to a region finale. "This group, I don't think they had ever won the district regular season and the tournament the same year. "This is 20 wins, I don't think that had happened. This group, I would venture to say that is the most talented group, it is not often you get that kind of kids together at a school this size."Hurley was playing its final girls basketball game in school history. The Rebels will be joined by Grundy, Twin Valley and Council in forming South Gap High School next year. That will also spell the end of the Black Diamond District when this school year ends. Twin Springs came out firing, connecting on seven first quarter 3s, including four in succession to build a 14-0 lead against the Rebels. Ross had three of those, and then added four more in the second period to finish with 22 first half points. The Titans had 16 3s, including 13 in the opening half alone. Makenzie Gillenwater added 12 points for Twin Springs, including the 1,000th rebound of her career. Isabella Dingus and Addi Lee added 11 points each and Sarah Davidson tossed in nine. "Kenzie, that is pretty cool, getting a thousand points earlier in the year," Bird said. "I don't know if I have ever been in a season where somebody knocked both of those out like that. I am proud her."Hurley was led by Haley Hurley with eight points and five for Skilar Baker. Twin Springs will attempt to make more history on Friday against the multiple state champion Tigers. "They are joy to coach, they get along well, they have fun with it, but they are competitors today," Bird said. "Honestly, that is about as good in basketball that you can have if you are having fun and winning and enjoying it. It has been that kind of year, we just hope we can go a little bit longer, not end anytime soon. It would be nice to get a couple more."