The #1 Banks County Lady Leopards secured a trip to the Class 2A State Championship with a close 48-44 win over Josey on Saturday afternoon, winning their 21st straight ball game in the process.

Banks County (28-3) never trailed in the contest, and at several points in the game held a sizeable lead even in double digits.

#5-ranked Josey (25-5) couldn’t contain the trio of Addison Hoard (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals), Ryleigh Murphy (15 points, 4 3-pointers), and Kamryn Grier (14 points, 10 rebounds). Grier caught fire in the fourth with 8 points to nail down the win and keep Josey at bay.

What is no doubt the best season in Banks County history will continue next Thursday in the state title game against Mt. Paran Christian in Macon, with tipoff set for 1 PM.