Andrews responded with a layup of her own to make it 36-32, but Elmore County was forced to foul with time running out, as Southside’s LuShunda Geeter hit both free throws making it 38-32 with 0:31 left and putting the game out of reach.

Elmore County head coach Tim Collier said he’s disappointed with the loss, but he thought his team had a good season overall.

“I’m disappointed. I truly expected to come over here and win this ball game,” Collier said. “We got off to a slow start and we got into foul trouble, and it was too much to overcome. We’ve had a short bench all year … tonight I played six people in my rotation. We’ve had three people injured and out for the season. That hurt us throughout the year, but considering those factors, I think it went pretty good. But we fully expected to win and be playing next Thursday.”

Southside was led by Blevins with 12 points and Takari Nelson with 11 points.

Elmore County was led by Andrews, who had 18 points, and Olivia Royal, who had 8 points.

The win sends Southside to the Central Regional Tournament at Alabama State University’s Acadome, with their next game set for Thursday, Feb. 23.

Elmore County is eliminated from playoff contention.