PC girls get 2 area wins

The Phil Campbell Bobcats showcased two very different paths to victory this week, proving they can dominate with a lightning-fast start or grit out a win when the pressure rises in the final minutes.

Thursday night’s area clash against the Sheffield Bulldogs began as a clinic in offensive efficiency. The Bobcats came out firing, fueled by a perimeter attack led by Georgia Motes. Motes set the tone early, draining two three-pointers in the opening frame as Phil Campbell raced out to a commanding 23-5 lead.

However, the game turned into a defensive grind through the middle periods. The Bobcats’ rhythm sputtered, as they managed only six points in both the second and third quarters. Sheffield seized the opportunity, chipping away at the lead and turning a blowout into a tight contest heading into the final stretch.

With the Bulldogs threatening the comeback, the game moved to the free-throw line, and Layla Baker was more than ready. Baker was a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe in the second half. Her nerves of steel were most evident in the fourth quarter, where she went 6-for-6 to keep Sheffield at arm’s length.

Leela Baker provided the consistent scoring punch the team needed throughout the night, finishing with a teamhigh 13 points, while Bailey Jewell and Addie Gilbert chipped in crucial baskets to secure the 48-41 win.

The Bobcats’ Tuesday matchup against Colbert Heights was a display of pure momentum from start to finish. Unlike the nail-biter on Thursday, Phil Campbell left no room for a comeback.

The Bobcats dismantled the Wildcats’ defense early and often, with Leela Baker leading the charge. Her 16-point performance kept the Wildcats on their heels, while Motes continued her steady week with 11 points. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Phil Campbell had already amassed a 35-16 lead.

The second half allowed the Bobcats to showcase their depth. Gilbert and Layla Baker each hovered near double digits with nine points apiece, while Jewell added six. The Bobcats also saw contributions from the bench, with Emily Walker and Kylee Fugate finding the bottom of the net to round out a convincing 54-25 victory.