GREENVILLE – The Wade Hampton Generals defeated the Catawba Ridge Lady Copperheads in the first round of the 4A state playoffs.
The Generals, which finished the regular season at 16-8 and was second in Region II, beat Catawba Ridge 67-44 Tuesday evening.
“Second chance points really hurt us,” said Catawba Ridge head girls coach Sheridan Pressley. “They got seven seniors on that team and that makes a difference.”
The Copperheads struck first about two minutes into the game in a Taylor Reilly steal and basket. The game was slow to start off with both teams trading baskets. About half way through the first quarter, Wade Hampton went on a 6-0 run to go up 10-4 and force Catawba Ridge into a timeout.
The Generals were better on the boards in the opening quarter giving themselves extra chances to score.
Wade Hampton led 13-9 to open the second quarter and scored the first two baskets to start. The Generals picked up the pace in turn and started opening the game by scoring in transition. After three minutes into play the Generals had a 21-11 lead.
Catawba Ridge worked their way back into the game with the help of a 3-pointer from Reilly. She would end the game with 10 points for the Copperheads.
Getting back into the game for Catawba Ridge didn’t last long as Wade Hampton was able to get open looks at the basket and convert easy shots. Wade Hampton outscored the Copperheads 25-13 in the second quarter to go into the half at 38-21.
The Generals went up by 20 after the start of the second half. Wade Hampton continued to be strong at the basket while the Copperheads’ zone slowed them down some. The Generals also continued to out rebound Catawba Ridge.
Morgan Davis kept the Copperheads competitive as she scored seven of Catawba Ridge’s points in the third quarter.
Wade Hampton led 53-29 opening the final period and the Generals scored the first five points of the quarter before Davis broke that streak.
Catawba Ridge had their best quarter of the game outscoring Wade Hampton 15-14 in the final period.
Davis led the Copperheads in her final game with 21 points. She will leave the girls’ basketball program as the all-time girls’ basketball leading scorer with 1,022 points.
Catawba Ridge finished the season at 8-18 overall.
Feb. 13 Roundup
The Nation Ford Lady Falcons fell to Gaffney in the first round of the 5A playoffs on the road. Nation Ford lost 50-26 and ended the season at 10-16 overall.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
