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AHOSKIE – It’s not how you start, but rather how you finish.

Ridgecroft’s varsity girls overcome a sloppy first quarter – one crammed full of unforced errors along with a cold shooting – and finally settled into their style of play that resulted in a 65-37 win over Tidewater Academy here Saturday night at the Doug Cobbs Scholarship Tournament.

Trailing 14-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Lady Rams opened the second period with a 12-0 run over a stretch of two and one-half minutes and grabbed the lead for-keeps at 19-14. Klaire Cherry, who poured in a game-high 21 points, and Hannah Slaughter each buried a three-point basket during that game-changing outburst. Cherry also added a deuce, as did Kaitlyn Cordery, while Lacey Berryman swished a pair of free throws.

Another long-range bomb by Cherry, a basket from Slaughter, and two more charity tosses by Berryman extended Ridgecroft’s lead to nine (26-17).

The margin at halftime stood at 30-21.

Leading 32-24 early in the third quarter, the Lady Rams sealed the deal with a 9-0 run. Cordrey had basket off an offensive rebound; Berryman and Slaughter scored back-to-back baskets off turnovers during a span of 17 seconds; and Cherry found nothing but net on another three-pointer, all of which resulted in a 41-24 lead less than three minutes into the third period.

And Ridgecroft still wasn’t done.

Cherry and Slaughter each added another trey; Berryman scored off a turnover; and Molly Brown added a basket as the Lady Rams led 51-30.

Baskets by Avery Brown and Slaughter plus a pair of free throws from Slaughter closed the period where the Lady Rams held a commanding 57-34 lead.

Ridgecroft improved to 8-1 overall with the win.

Lady Rams (65)

Klaire Cherry – 21, Hannah Slaughter – 16, Lacey Berryman – 11, Kaitlyn Cordrey – 6, Molly Brown – 4, Abigail Woodard – 4, Avery Byrum – 2, Laurali Lassiter – 1.

Lady Warriors (37)

Ellie Smith – 19, Kaki Willey – 11, Mary Elliott – 4, Taylor Trombley – 2, Mimi Winborne – 1.