Class 5A State Championship

The 5A State Championship delivered the drama expected on the biggest stage. Moody controlled much of the first half behind a sensational 20-point performance from sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1165419' first='Serenity' last='Rutledge'], building a double-digit lead and taking a 37–31 advantage into halftime. But the momentum began to shift late in the half when 8th grader [player_tooltip player_id='1538822' first='Kenna'D' last='Buie'] imposed her will on the game. Buie continued her takeover in the third quarter while [player_tooltip player_id='1227338' first='Bristol' last='Cook'] added a strong stretch of play with 8 points and several blocked and altered shots. When the final horn sounded, Guntersville completed the comeback to claim the 5A State Championship with a 68–62 victory, led by MVP [player_tooltip player_id='1538822' first='Kenna'D' last='Buie'].    Final 4 MVP   [player_tooltip player_id='1538822' first='Kenna'D' last='Buie'] closed out her storied 8th grade season by leading Guntersville to a State Championship and earning Tournament MVP honors. The young star was dominant over the final three quarters, taking control when her team needed it most. As she has done so many times this season, Buie imposed her will on the outcome of the game. She attacked the basket relentlessly, scored at all three levels, and created opportunities for her teammates. Her poise and confidence never wavered, even on the biggest stage. Buie consistently made the right play while delivering momentum-shifting baskets. For an 8th grader to command a championship game the way she did speaks to just how special her future is.     All-Tournament Team   Addison Hammond delivered a composed performance and earned All-Tournament Team honors. She finished with 14 points while helping keep her team steady throughout the game. Her crafty handle allowed her to control the pace and navigate pressure. Hammond also showcased her elite shooting, knocking down two threes on the day. Her poise and shot-making were key in crucial moments.     All-Tournament Team   [player_tooltip player_id='1227338' first='Bristol' last='Cook'] battled through early struggles but delivered when it mattered most. The All-Tournament selection scored 10 of her points in the second half, helping shift momentum after the break. Her biggest impact came defensively around the rim. Cook finished with 6 blocked shots and altered numerous others that never made the stat sheet. Her presence in the paint made scoring inside extremely difficult.     All-Tournament Team   [player_tooltip player_id='1165419' first='Serenity' last='Rutledge'] was the star of the Final Four and the entire playoff run. Everyone in the arena knew the ball was in her hands, yet there was still very little anyone could do to slow her down. Rutledge made the game look easy at times, slicing through defenses and knocking down tough shots. Even when possessions broke down, she found a way to create something for herself or a teammate. She competed with relentless energy and toughness every possession. Rutledge was arguably the best defender on the floor while also carrying the biggest offensive load. She finished with 39 points on 58% shooting, along with 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists. In my opinion, even in a losing effort, that performance was MVP worthy — the definition of a DAWG.     Aleigha Rhetta | Class of 2029 | Forward | All-Tournament Team   Aleigha Rhetta made a strong impression during the state playoffs and earned All-Tournament Team honors. The unranked freshman was huge early for Moody, knocking down threes and crashing the glass for offensive rebounds. Her energy and timely scoring helped set the tone in key moments. Rhetta has flown under the radar, but her playoff performance introduced her name to the rest of the state. The young forward has a bright future ahead.

The 5A State Championship delivered the drama expected on the biggest stage. Moody controlled much of the first half behind a sensational 20-point performance from sophomore Serenity Rutledge Serenity Rutledge 5'5" | CG Moody | 2028 State AL , building a double-digit lead and taking a 37–31 advantage into halftime. But the momentum began to shift late in the half when 8th grader Kenna’D Buie Kenna’D Buie 5'7" AL imposed her will on the game. Buie continued her takeover in the third quarter while Bristol Cook Bristol Cook AL added a strong stretch of play with 8 points and several blocked and altered shots. When the final horn sounded, Guntersville completed the comeback to claim the 5A State Championship with a 68–62 victory, led by MVP Kenna’D Buie Kenna’D Buie 5'7" AL .