BOGART – Maddie Thomas was deadly from anywhere on the floor Thursday night against North Oconee.
She raided the rim for 30 points while turning in an almost perfect performance from the charity stripe (13–of–14) in a 72-53 win over the Lady Titans.
However, it took some time for the Lady Bears to pull away.
“We lacked defensive intensity early,” Bluff coach Lindsay Justice said. “But, we picked it up in the second half to extend the lead.”
The lack of defensive intensity made the first half a nailbiter for Justice and the Bear faithful. The Lady Bears only led by one at the half, 32-31.
Meanwhile, in the second half, the shots starting falling and the defense woke up.
Cherokee Bluff, behind the play of Thomas, Madi Phillips, and Timber Gaither, outgunned North Oconee 20-8 in the third quarter and 20-14 in the final eight minutes.
Phillips ended the night with 20 points and Gaither chipped in 15 points and four steals.
“We shot the ball pretty well,” Justice said. “And that always helps.”
Cherokee Bluff (9-8, 0-4) will host Dawson County Friday night in a Region 7-3A matchup. Game time is 7 p.m.
DAWSON COUNTY 51
PICKENS COUNTY 27
Dawson County had three players hit the double-digit mark in the win over Pickens County Thursday night on the road.
Kaylee Sticker led the Lady Tigers with 14 points, and Sophia D’Oliveira and Anna Lowe tossed in 10 each in the win.
“We did a good job of sharing the ball,” Dawson coach Steve Sweat said.
The Lady Tigers jumped out to a 14-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, and a 23-18 lead at the half.
In the second half, Dawson’s defense wrenched down on the defensive end, holding Pickens to 9 points. The Lady Tigers outmanned Pickens 28-9 in the final two quarters.
Marlie Townley scored 8 points, Bella Henson had 3, and Ella Siuta, Mariah Benson, and Shyla Sheffield scored 2 points each.
Dawson County (11-5, 3-1) will jump into Region 7-3A play Friday at Cherokee Bluff. Game time is 7 p.m.
