March 8, 2023 -- The Columbus Africentric Early College girls high school basketball team advanced to the OHSAA Division III State Final Four after an epic game last weekend. The Lady Nubians came away with a 44-35 win over Versailles.

Lady Nubian players Jeniya Bowers and Natiah Nelson led the team with a combined 32 of 44 points.

After a rough start, the Lady Nubians headed into the locker room only up by one point, but still leading the Tigers, 17-16. 

“We deserve to be here,” said Lady Nubians Head Coach Janicia Anderson during halftime. “We have worked too hard to not take advantage of this moment. Let’s go out there like the score is 0-0 and finish the game!”

Africentric came out of the locker room on a mission, scoring 27 points, led by junior Natiah Nelson, who scored all 17 of her points in the second half. Nelson’s contribution helped secure the win for the Lady Nubians.

The Lady Nubians dedicated this win to a long-time volunteer who passed away earlier this year. David Rhodes was instrumental in creating such dynamic players, and the team believed he was at their game in spirit.

For the last 15 years, Rhodes volunteered his time to the Lady Nubians and made a huge impact on the program. Since 2007, the team has won 15 City League Championships, 17 District titles, and currently holds the second-most OHSAA state titles in girls basketball.

The Lady Nubians (19-4) look to carry this momentum into the state Final Four where they will face Wheelersburg (24-2) this Friday, March 10. Tip-off time is 11 a.m. at University of Dayton Arena.

To purchase tickets, visit ohsaa.org/tickets.