Riverview Park-North Augusta, SC
Palmetto 76ers (SC) vs Blazers (SC) - Varsity Girls
The 76ers came out applying defensive pressure from the start. They asserted themselves on the boards and established an early rebounding advantage. This enabled them to create extra offensive put back opportunities. The ladies from the 76ers jumped out to the early 10-2 lead on a basket by Anareyah Ganzy. A 3-pointer by the Blazer’s, Jamya Smith made it 13-5 just after the midway point of the first half. The Blazers were aggressive early penetrating and pushing tempo. However, they were unable to capitalize and convert on their good looks at the basket. The Blazers cut into the lead following an “and-1” basket by Jayla Anderson. The 76ers responded with back to back baskets by Shia Kinard. That enabled them to go into the half with a 25-12 lead. Kinard had 13 points at the half. Anderson led the Blazers with 5 first half points.
The Blazers came out motivated in the second half playing more physically and with a purpose. They cut the deficit to 25-17 following a 3-pointer by Anderson. The 76ers answered the challenge by increasing their defensive pressure and pushing the ball. They utilized a team approach and began to execute their offensive and defensive game plan more efficiently by the midway point of the second half. After a driving lay up by Ganzy, the 76ers took a 36-23 lead. The Blazers battled back to cut the lead to 8 points at 40-32 with just under 3 minutes to play. However, the 76ers were able to make key defensive stops down the stretch. A basket by Brooklyn Moore with 50 seconds remaining gave the 76ers a 48-38 advantage and they went on the 52-40 win. Kinard, of the 76ers, led all scorers with 17 points. The Blazers were led by Jayla Anderson with 10 points.