Randleman’s Audra Petty shoots a 3-pointer against Shelby during the Class 1-A West Regional semifinals March 1 at Randleman.
RANDLEMAN – Another deep run into the state playoffs for the Randleman girls’ basketball team might just be incentive to take it another round or two next time.
“We’ll be back,” coach Brandon Varner said. “We’re close. We’ve just got to keep getting after it, building toward next year. We’ll be back.”
The Tigers finished the season with a 25-1 record, with the only loss coming in the Class 2-A regional semifinals.
When defending state champion Shelby knocked off host Randleman 51-41 last week, it concluded a season full of championships for the Tigers. They won a holiday tournament, the Piedmont Athletic Conference regular season and PAC Tournament.
Even in their final game, there were encouraging moments.
“It was our kind of game … low-scoring, tight game,” Varner said. “Girls played hard. I can’t ask for anymore.”
Randleman had balanced scoring in its last game. Gracyn Hall posted 12 points, Hannah Hinshaw notched 10 points, Elizabeth York had nine points and Audra Petty added eight points.
Shelby went on to lose 45-44 in double overtime to Salisbury in Saturday’s regional final in Greensboro.
As for the Tigers, there could be more good days ahead when next season arrives.
“We’re going to get back in the gym and keep working,” Varner said.
