Riverview Park-North Augusta, SC
Georgia Sting (GA) vs A’ja Wilson Elite (SC) - Varsity Girls
The Georgia Sting vs the A’ja Wilson Elite (AWE) was a much anticipated matchup between two very talented teams. Both teams came out intense and defensive minded. Both struggled early to gain their offensive traction. The Sting took the early 7-6 lead. Both teams continued to battle and assert their physicality as they tried to find their offensive rhythm. AWE took a 20-11 lead on a 3-pointer by Tanaja Kennedy. A steal and a basket by Kendahl Spearman of AWE made it 22-12 at the half. J’Adore Young and Spearman each had 6 first half points for AWE. Jessica Dowdy finished the first half with 6 points for the Sting.
Young gave AWE a 27-16 lead early in the second half as both teams attempted to assert themselves physically and continued to push the tempo. Both sets of guards began to create opportunities and became aggressive offensively. The Sting made it a 5 point game at 32-27 on a 3-pointer by Dowdy. Two possessions later Dowdy committed her 4th foul with 8:35 left in the game. AWE amped up their defensive pressure and converted it into points. After a spot up 3-pointer by Maliyiah Mason, AWE took a 43-30 lead. They then slowed the tempo and spread the court in the final 3 minutes. The Sting cut the lead to 7points at 50-43 after the 3-pointer from TyYazmin Calhoun. That would be the final score as the AWE went on to the win. Young and Spearman both finished with 10 points apiece for the winning squad. The Sting’s Jessica Dowdy led all scorers with 21 points.