Grapeland presses Marlin out of playoffs

The Marlin girls’ basketball team’s road to the state tournament took a detour in Bryan on Saturday.

Marlin’s season ended with tears instead of triumph as No. 12 Grapeland (30-8) defeated the No.13 Lady Bulldogs, 63-43, in the Region III, Class 2A championship game. The loss denied Marlin (29-7) a second consecutive trip to the state tournament, where they lost in the championship game last year.

It was the final high school game for seniors Mystique Womack, Ke’Ondria Davis, Rubinique Hayes, Maisha Evans and LaRachel Taylor.

Womack will continue her basketball career at the University of Alabama next year. Still, it was a difficult way to end her high school career. After the final buzzer sounded, she squatted on the court with her hands covering her face as teammates hugged her.

Marlin had gotten to the title tilt by beating No. 4 Timpson, 48-30, on Friday night. Grapeland had beaten Woden, 53-44, on Friday.

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