For the second time in as many games, the Hebron girls made an undefeated, highly ranked team, defeated. This time it was on the biggest stage in high school girls basketball. No. 12 Hebron defeated No. 19 Hazel Green (AL) 59-48 in the first round of the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix. It was a close game that had many lead changes before the Lions finally pulled away in the fourth quarter. The teams played to a 10-10 tie at the end of the first quarter. Hazel Green led 23-22 at halftime. Hebron’s offense began to gel in the third quarter outscoring the Trojans 18-14 in the period taking a 40-37 lead into the fourth. The Lions finally wore down Hazel Green outscoring them 19-11 in the fourth to post the 11-point win. The most noticeable difference in the second half was Hebron’s control of the defensive glass. The Lions defended well, forcing Hazel Green into some low percentage shots. And then Kerra Butler and Danielle Osho were there to clean the glass, not allowing Hazel Green many offensive boards and second chance soring opportunities. Butler posted a double-double scoring 17 points to go with 12 rebounds. Aubrey Beckham also scored 17 points to go with four rebounds and two assists. Mia James put up 13 points, two assists and also had two blocks…not bad for the smallest person on the court. Osho added seven points and seven boards while Nicky Daniel chipped in three points. Hebron is now 9-0 on the season and is riding a 41-game winning streak dating back to last season. Hazel Green suffers its first loss on the season, and falls to 14-1. The Lions’ reward for the hard fought win? A date with the No. 1 ranked team in the country, Long Island Lutheran (NY), a team featuring seven Power 5 players. Long Island Lutheran won its first round game 82-35 over Ontario Christian (CA). The team features Kayleigh Heckel, a 5’9 point guard committed to Southern California, Kate Koval, a 6’5 post from Ukraine committed to Notre Dame, Syracuse commit, 6’0 wing Ka’Shya Hawkins, Syla Swords, a 6’0 Canadian who’s committed to Michigan, and top prospects Lauren Swann and sophomore Savvy Swords (6’1), another Canadian. Hebron will have its work cut out for them to say the least. Let’s play. Tipoff is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2:00 PM Eastern.