MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Alma Bryant Lady Hurricanes are headed to the 7A Girls Final Four for the first time in program history, carrying a 23-8 record and a season defined by resilience into Thursday's noon tipoff against No. 1 Hoover in Birmingham.
The Hurricanes punched their ticket with a 78-75 win over Fairhope. Hoover enters the matchup at 33-1.
In November, head coach Alaina Peacock stepped away from the team after her husband and assistant coach, John Peacock, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall at work. Coach William Evans stepped in to lead the program while Peacock focused on her family.
A group of six seniors helped steady the ship during that stretch.
"That was really tragic for us and the team with Coach Evans coming in, and it's just been a really hard thing to adapt to," one player said. "But I think we've adapted well."
The players said the team leaned on a shared goal throughout the season.
"We came here, and nobody believed in us, nobody believed in this school," Madi-Marie Grayson said. "We had doubters. We had people saying it can't happen. But for us as a team to all group together and have one mindset -- and that mindset was making it to state -- and just for all of us to come together as a team and really focus on that goal. Step by step, what we've done is really special as a group together. And for the groups to come, they just need to know that no matter what, no matter what people on the outside say, it's up to you. You set your goal, your standard, and you can reach it."
Williams said the game plan against Hoover mirrors what has worked all season.
"It's going to be the same as every game," Williams said. "We've got to not turn the ball over, and we've got to rebound. I always preach that the little things win basketball games, and we're going to have to do those things to have an opportunity to win this game. They're real tough. They got a bunch of college athletes that are going to go play Division One, so we're going to have to play the best game of the year. But we've been prepared, and I think we're ready."
Coach Alaina Peacock and John Peacock moved from Saraland to Alma Bryant when the Hurricanes' current senior class were just freshmen, with the goal of building around scoring leaders and twins Madi-Marie and Mari-Margret Grayson and competing for a state championship within three to four years.
In a statement given to FOX10 Sports, Alaina Peacock had this message for her team and coaching staff.
"Girls, I am so proud of you all. You ladies shined at a time where it could have been very easy to crumble. I am in awe of your strength, determination and hard-work. Keep fighting lady canes. Let's show the world how far we have all come," Peacock said.
Peacock also addressed the coaching staff: "Thank you for stepping in at such a pivotal time. Your willingness to jump in truly means more to me and my family than words can say. Thank you for standing strong and seeing the girls through when John and I couldn't be there physically."
She added: "Coach John and I will be cheering from home. Go Canes."
A win Thursday would send Alma Bryant to its first-ever state championship appearance and put the school in contention for the first Blue Map Trophy in a major sport in school history.