MERRY HILL – It’s been a ‘Happy New Year’ so far for the Lady Warriors of Lawrence Academy, who picked up a pair of key wins last week.

None was more gratifying than their 44-36 upset of North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association (NCISAA) 1-A’s second-ranked Hobgood Academy Friday night.

Senior Kendall Street finished with a tremendous double-double: 38 points and 11 rebounds, scoring all but six of her team’s points in the win.

“She did everything we could ask of her,&uot; said a jubilant coach Jack Williford after the game. &uot;She left everything on the floor and played one awesome ball game, but more importantly, our team defense pulled us through.&uot;

The win raised Lawrence’s record to 5-8 overall and 2-2 in the Tarheel Independent Conference.

Hobgood, who entered the contest at 10-1, ran out to a 12-6 first quarter lead thanks to Bobbi Gilbert and Schyler Edmundson’s outside shooting. 

But early in the second quarter foul trouble plagued the Lady Raiders and Street was able to be more effective inside as well as with her play away from beneath the basket.  Lawrence outscored Hobgood 16-9 in the quarter to take a one-point lead at halftime, 22-21. 

Hobgood had shooting woes to open the third quarter and Lawrence took advantage. 

The Lady Warriors capitalized on offensive rebounding and turnovers while quickening the pace of the contest, outscoring the Lady Raiders, 10-to-4, in the frame and increasing their lead to seven with one quarter of play remaining, 32-25.

&uot;We used half of our practice session yesterday (Thursday) just to work on our rebounding and it paid off,&uot; said Williford, &uot;I was especially proud of Leanne (Eubanks, who finished with nine rebounds) because she came up with some nice grabs when we needed them.&uot;

Street opened the fourth quarter making 1-of-2 free-throws after being fouled and gave Lawrence an eight-point lead at 33-25. 

But back came Hobgood with a basket apiece from Edmundson and Gilbert to reduce the lead to four at 33-29. Two minutes later, Jamie Vanderford made a pair of free-throws and the lead was down to three at 34-31 with four minutes remaining. 

Lawrence then slowed the pace looking for Street inside where she made a pair of layups and in six trips to the line made three free-throws and helped Lawrence close out the game with an 11-4 run.

&uot;We’ve progressed as much or more than I could have expected,&uot; said Williford.  &uot;But, we can get better.&uot;

 

Lady Warriors (44): Kendall Street – 38, Kathryn Gilbert – 4, Leanne Eubanks n 2

Lady Raiders (36): Bobbi Gilbert – 14, Schyler Edmundson – 12, Jamie Vanderford – 6, Corie Robertson – 4