Columbia, MO – The emergence of the Lift for Life girls basketball program as a Missouri powerhouse continued as the Hawks won their second consecutive state championship on Saturday evening.
The Hawks defeated St. Teresa’s Academy from Kansas City 63-42 to repeat as state champions. It was also the Hawks third state championship in five years.
Lift for Life won the Class 4 state title last year and was moved up to Class 5 due to the multiplier rule. The Hawks were just as dominant in the larger class as they won both of their games in the Final Four by an average of 21 points. They defeated Fort Zumwalt South in the semifinals 58-36 on Friday.
There was very little suspense in the finals as the Hawks raced out to a 20-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The lead swelled to 32-12 at halftime as the Hawks speed and quickness overwhelmed the Stars at both ends of the court.
Sophomore point guard Amaya Manuel got the Hawks rolling by scoring 12 of her game-high 21 points in the first quarter. She also scored her 1,000th career point on a free throw in the second quarter.
Junior guard Zha Harris added 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cara Manuel scored eight points while Diamond Polk, Kahmyla Bell and Saudia Brock added six points each. Forward Rian Lenox grabbed seven rebounds.