Meadowview coach Mike Cassebaum wasn’t even going to go to Friday night’s area title game against Kingwood in Tuscaloosa.

Cassebaum’s father was set to undergo major surgery the same day and the coach didn’t want to leave his dad’s side.

Cassebaum did and his girls played their hearts out for their coach and his father.

Meadowview had a chance to win the game in the final 10 seconds, but the undefeated team from Kingwood made a play and took the 55-52 win.

After the game, Cassebaum and his team great news, the surgery went very well and

the coach’s father is doing fine.

As for the on-the-court action, Meadowview played tough after losing by double digits to Kingwood twice this year.

Trailing by one, Meadowview forced a turnover with 20 seconds to go

but got the ball stolen away on the other end.

Kingwood hit a

layup with four seconds left.

Elyse McIntyre threw the ball up from half court, it was on line but just short and Kingwood escaped with the win.

Cassebaum praised Kingwood’s fans and team.

Haley McIntyre had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

Ashton Smith had 10 points. &uot;She shot the ball really well,&uot; Cassebaum said. &uot;I’m really proud of her, she’s come a long way this year&uot;

Elyse McIntyre had 10 points with two 3’s and three rebounds.

Deavan Aultman had a lot of playing time inside and had four points and six rebounds.

She played really well on defense as well.

For Kingwood, Hannah Phillips had 29 and six 3-pointers.

Cassebaum said the win gives his team some momentum going into the Final Eight in Montgomery at Huntingdon net week.

Kingwood scored 33 of their 55 points from behind the 3-point arc.Out of 55, 33 were three-pointers. &uot;They’ve got four people that can shoot the three,&uot; Cassebaum said.

The coach was pleased with his team’s effort.