By darrenkinnard

Making history: Herrin downs Marion for 3A regional championship

Posted: February 16, 2024
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Making history: Herrin downs Marion for 3A regional championship

Marion’s Ny’Aajha Curry (42) and Libbie Garrett (33) battle with Herrin’s Karli Mann (35) for control of the ball during the first quarter of the 3A girls regional on Thursday in Carbondale.
Herrin’s Karli Mann (35) shoots while defended by Marion’s Krista Elliot (24), Libbie Garrett (33) and Ny’Aajha Curry (42) during the second quarter of the 3A girls regional final on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Herrin’s Janiya Harrison (44) drives on Marion’s Alli Christopgher (11) during the second quarter of the 3A girls regional final on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Herrin’s Karli Mann (35) shoots over Marion’s Libbie Garrett (33) during the second quarter of the 3A girls regional final on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Marion’s Libbie Garrett (left) and Herrin’s Jersey Summers (33) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter of the 3A girls regional final on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Players battle for a rebound during the fourth quarter of the 3A girls regional final between Herrin and Marion on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Herrin’s Karli Mann (from left), Gracie Craft, Lexi Pickles (1) and Janiya Harrison begin to celebrate late in the fourth quarter of the 3A girls regional final against Marion on Thursday in Carbondale. Herrin went on to win 61-48.
Herrin players celebrate with the regional championship trophy after defeating Marion 61-48 in the 3A girls regional final on Thursday in Carbondale.

Byron Hetzler/River Radio Sports Central

Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central

CARBONDALE — The Herrin Lady Tigers had not won a girls basketball regional title since 2010, and the program had never won a regional in 3A.

That all changed Thursday night.

Karli Mann scored 23 points helping Herrin overcome a hot start by Marion and beat the Lady Wildcats 61-48 in the championship game of the Carbondale 3A Regional.

Marion led 19-11 after one after being up by as many as 12 in the opening quarter. Herrin cut the deficit to 27-23 by halftime and took a 41-40 lead into the fourth quarter. The Lady Tigers then outscored the Lady Wildcats 20-8 in the fourth to claim a 13-point win.

Herrin (23-10) advances to the Effingham Sectional where they will face the winner of the Charleston Regional, either Highland or Mattoon, Tuesday night at 6:00. The second semifinal at Effingham will feature the Mt. Vernon/East St. Louis winner against the host Flaming Hearts.

Marion finishes the season 12-20.

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