(photo courtesy Brandywine Athletics)

(Kalamazoo) — Josh Hood hopes the third time’s a charm.

The Brandywine girls basketball coach will take his Lady Bobcats to the Breslin Center in East Lansing for a third consecutive year, after his Lady Bobcats eliminated Hart, 50-38, in Tuesday’s state quarterfinals here at Loy Norrix High School

“A third straight trip to the Breslin is an unbelievable accomplishment for our players, coaches, school and community,” an ebullient Hood told Sports Michiana after the game. “I am so proud of our girls and their commitment to being the best version of themseleves each day they step in the gym.”

Brandywine used its hallmark speed and defensive pressure to stymie Hart in the first half, giving up just eight first-half points. After struggling from the field in the first quarter, the Bobcats found their stride in the second behind junior Lily Gill.

Hart’s Rilynn Porter heated up in the third, scoring 13 of her game-high 21 in the stanza, as the Pirates closed within eight to end the third quarter.

Brandywine’s experience paid off down the stretch, as the Bobcats hit their free throws in the 4th to put the game away. Zaya Price scored 17 to lead the way, while Karleigh Byrd added 12 and Gill finished with 11.

The win marks the 100th for this Brandywine senior class, but they remain unsatisfied.

“We know there’s more work to be done,” admits Hood. “We’re already in preparation mode for Thursday afternoon.”

Brandywine carries a 26-1 record into Thursday afternoon’s semifinal against 23-3 Jackson Lumen Christi. Tipoff in East Lansing is set for 2 p.m.