“You know, this has been four years in the making,” said South Sevier head coach Tracy Johnson, who now has won his first state championship as a head coach. “They were here as freshman, and they were able to train and work their butts off to earn this title.”

Also Saturday, Charlotte’s Victory Christian rolled to the 1A state championship, beating Crossroads Christian of Henderson, 63-32. Friday night, Rocky Mount Academy finished a 22-0 season by winning the 2A title, 43-37, over Caldwell Academy. On Saturday, top-seeded Grace Christian of Sanford beat Concord Academy, 56-45, in the 3A state final.

Murdock led the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds, scoring at many clutch times when the team needed her the most while going a very efficient 6 for 7 from the free throw line. Stephens added 18 points and 14 rebound to go along with an efficient 53% from the field.