Ware County’s Lady Gators split a pair of home games falling to Appling County and escaping a scrappy Groves quintette.
The Lady Gators (3-4), losers of two straight and four of its last five, fell 5954 Tuesday, December 9 to the visiting Lady Pirates (3-2), who posted a second five-point victory in three starts.
Appling County followed with home losses over the weekend to Wayne County (6-4) and unbeaten Bacon County (9-0).
Ware County pulled away from a one-point lead in the final four minutes Saturday, December 13 to hold off Groves (4-4) 49-43 handing the Lady Rebels their third loss in four games.
The Lady Gators have a two-game slate this week. They played host to Valdosta Tuesday, December 16. Ware County travels Saturday, December 20 to Glynn Academy.
Richmond Hill visits Monday, December 22 to close out the pre-Christmas schedule. Ware County will participate in the Brunswick Christmas tournament.
The Lady Gators play Saturday, December 27, Monday, December 29 and wrap up tournament action Tuesday, December 30. No opponents have been released.
Appling County......59 Lady Gators ...........54 Appling County overcame a three-point deficit entering the fourth period to rally for the win over the Lady Gators.
Ware County trailed 1712 at the end of the opening eight minutes. Appling County added one point to its margin by intermission outscoring the Lady Gators 18-17 in the second period to take a 35-29 lead at intermission.
A 19-10 scoring advantage by Ware County in the third quarter gave the home team a 48-45 lead. The Lady Pirates regrouped to outpoint the home team 14-6 during the final stanza for the comeback win.
Appling County made just 4-of-15 (9-of-27 overall) free throws over the last eight minutes while the Lady Gators struggled at the offensive end scoring just two baskets and a pair of free throws.
Ware County had three players reach double figures led by Bailey Denton’s 15 points (four threes). Lydia Munford (two treys) and Madisyn Daniels each scored 10 points.
A’Treasure White just missed her third doubledouble scoring eight points and grabbing a game-high 20 rebounds. It was her second 20-rebound night of the season. Bre Hill finished with seven points while Lauren Belle and LeLe Reid each bucketed two points.
Appling County was paced by Shamiah Barnum’s 19 points (17 in the first half). Ky’laiyah Smith followed with 17 points (11 in the second half).
Lady Gato ............. 49 Groves ...................43 Four Ware County starters reached double figures combining for 43 points leading the Lady Gators past Groves.
The home team pulled away from a 35-34 lead over the final four minutes aided by a 8-for-8 free throw display from Denton (10 points - all in final eight minutes). The Lady Gators were 10-of-15 from the foul line for the period finishing 14-of-23 for the game.
White and Hill used their height advantage to score 12 points each and dominate the boards. Munford (three treys) added 11 points. Nevaeh Norton netted three points and Belle canned a free throw.
The visitors jumped ahead 11-8 by the close of the first stanza. They outpointed Ware County 1211 in the second period to take a 23-19 halftime lead.
The Lady Gators took the lead for good late in the third period outscoring Groves 10-2 for a 2925 advantage. The Lady Rebels closed to within 35-34 before Ware County seized the momentum building a 45-36 lead and holding on.
The Lady Rebels’ Aniyah Wright scored a game-high 24 points with Shanel Sutton adding 12. Each buried three treys.
Ware County’s Madisyn Daniels forces Groves’ Dashney Detty to turn the ball over near midcourt during second half action Saturday. Photo By RICK HEAD
