The story needed one final chapter, a happy ending. Last night the Demon girls made that happen, as they led the whole way in a 54-42 win over Mt. Pleasant to win consecutive Southeast Conference Championships.

The panthers started three girls over six foot, but it was Washington who set the tone of the game from the start.

On the first two possessions for Mt. Pleasant JoHannah Vittetoe broke up passes in the paint causing turnovers that led the Demon points.

The tough as nails defense from the Demons and ability to drive to the basket put the Panthers in foul trouble as they had six team fouls just in the first quarter, and Washington led 13-8.

In the second it seemed like every time Washington would get a lead, the Panthers would claw their way back, but the Demons were working on something that was better than points, they were frustrating the Panthers, and while doing so caused Taryne Shull and Kelsi Phipps to get into foul trouble. At half time, the Demon still led 26-22.

The Second half was all Demons, getting Mt. Pleasant to foul again and causing Phipps and Shull to sit most of the quarter, and not allowing Mt. Pleasant to score until two minutes into the third quarter. Washington then got the Panthers into foul trouble again, as they had four team fouls in two minutes of play.

Despite leading 40-33 at half, Washington still played fired up, as they got Phipps and Shull to foul out, and Washington went on to win the Southeast Conference.

Kimball led the way in points with 22.

Demon head coach Phil Long talked about the excitement in winning the game in the postgame.

“You wouldn’t have it any other way, on your home floor, your senior year, back to back conference championships, that hasn’t been done for a few year,” Long said. “Something that all of the kids should be very proud of, and I mean all of them: starters, the kids on the bench, my whole staff, it was truly a team effort tonight.”

Demons play in their first tournament game next Saturday.