AHOSKIE – Gates County High School met a newcomer Monday.

The Lady Red Barons didn’t seem fazed by meeting future conference opponent Camden County High School, however, as they grabbed a 47-40 victory in the opening round of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Holiday Classic sponsored by United Country Joe Murray Realty.

Dashanna Duggins paced Gates County during the win, scoring 19 points for the Red Barons. Kierra Ballard was similarly strong with nine points while Hannah Simpson checked in with seven.

M. Moore led Camden with 20 and E. Barnes added nine.

Gates jumped out to an early lead, taking a 12-7 advantage in the first quarter. They held on to the same margin at halftime where they led 24-19.

The Red Barons were able to extend the lead by a pair when they outscored Camden 9-7 in the third period.

Both teams scored 14 in the final quarter to establish the 47-40 win.

The victory put Gates in the semifinals and sent Camden to Wednesday’s Fifth Place contest. That game finished too late for press time.