Lady Tigers continue win streak

J.R. Tidwell/FCT Kasey Sparks (35) of Red Bay looks to make a pass against Tharptown Friday night while Erika Sparks (3) of the Lady Wildcats guards against it.

The Red Bay Lady Tigers cruised to yet another win Friday night, defeating the Tharptown Lady Wildcats 63-37 at home.

Tharptown hung with Red Bay early on, but the depth and full-court press of the Lady Tigers soon had them on top with a good lead.

“Year in and year out [Red Bay] has good speed and a good press,” Tharptown head coach Chad Green said. “They also have good young players.”

Red Bay had a small lead at 7-6 by the midpoint of the first quarter.  The Lady Tigers then went on a 10-2 run to finish the quarter ahead by nine.

Red Bay ran a press for most of the game, and the pressure forced several turnovers and missed shots by the Lady Wildcats.

“We still don’t run [the presses] like we’re supposed to,” Red Bay head coach Donnie Roberts said.

The Lady Tigers were up by 10 with three minutes remaining in the second when Allie Kennedy drained a 3-pointer, helping propel Red Bay to a 33-17 lead at the half.

The Lady Tigers continued to outscore Tharptown in the third with the aid of the press, but only by three points. Red Bay took a 47-28 lead into the fourth and finished strong for the 26-point win.

“This is great competition for our girls, and it’s helping us get ready for the area tournament,” Green said.

Jade Ezzell led the Lady Tigers in points with 12. Hannah Sharp hit double digits with 10, and Lauren Pacetti picked up nine. Also scoring for Red Bay were Mariah Horton (6), Kasey Sparks (6), Kennedy (5), Lexy Lindsey (5), Elizabeth Wooten (4), Alaina Hester (3), Monique Dulaney (2) and Morgan Mason (1).

“I thought we played well,” Roberts said. “Some of our players got into foul trouble early, but I’m proud that our young girls got to play.”

Kamri Sears led the Lady Wildcats in points with 16, with Danielle Creasy adding 11. Also scoring for Tharptown were Erika Sparks (4), Kassy Baker (2), Brooke Daniel (2) and Savannah Robinson (2).