Chilton County High School successfully defended its girls county basketball title with a 60-34 victory against Isabella.

“I think it’s pretty big to put our name on it,” CCHS sophomore Jasmine Martin said. “Playing in front of the fans and family, it was a big win.”

Emotions were running high early in the game, which was to be expected anytime county bragging rights are on the line.

However, what happened shortly after was anything but expected.

Not even through the first quarter, the referees had already handed out two technical fouls and an intentional foul.

The two technical fouls were both on Isabella head coach Jarred Day, who was also ejected from the game following the second technical with 2:45 left to play in the opening quarter and the Mustangs trailing 20-7.

Despite the adversity, Isabella gathered its composure and went on a run in the second quarter and shrunk the deficit to seven, 32-25 at halftime.

A pair of three-pointers by Elizabeth Alstott and Kiara Ford were catalysts during the Mustangs’ hot shooting second quarter.

Both teams had dynamic guard play, but a major difference entering the game was the size of the CCHS post players.

“As soon as we get on the floor we’re looking for the matchup,” Martin said. “We all noticed right away that there was a big mismatch down low.”

The CCHS size advantage and depth began to pay dividends and wear down Isabella in the second half, especially after several of Isabella’s key contributors found themselves in foul trouble.

“As a point guard you look at the situation that you’re in,” CCHS junior Adi Argent said. “Tonight that was hitting our down-low girls.”

As a result, the Tigers stormed out to start the third quarter and scored the first 17 points in the second half.

Isabella was held to just three points in the third quarter, as CCHS led 54-28 and had extended its lead to the point of no return.

“We knew we had to come out with a lot of energy,” Argent said. “They are athletic and have speed, but us being able to cut that off helped a lot.”

Martin of CCHS and Ford of Isabella finished the game tied with a game-high 13 points.

The Tigers won the county title in Clint Pitchford’s first year coaching the girls team.

“It’s special to the seniors and these county championships always mean a lot to the community,” Pitchford said. “I’m hoping to use this as a stepping stone as we get ready to go into area play.”