The Gilmer Lady Cats found themselves on both ends of the spectrum when they continued region play.
Versus No. 2 ranked Wesleyan last Wednesday, the Wolves took advantage of high percentage shots and built a steady lead throughout. While Gilmer was able to get three pointers to fall, the Cats were held in check inside the three-point arc, and the Wolves won, 76-43.
The Cats hosted West Hall Friday, and the hapless Spartans were outclassed from the opening tip-off. The game was never in doubt as the Cats earned a 77-8 senior night victory.
“We kind of had a tough week with the weather and everything. The first time we touched a ball since last Friday (Jan. 5) was this past Wednesday (Jan. 10) at Wesleyan,” said head coach Dani Wright of Gilmer’s canceled practices following the West Hall win.
“The practice yesterday got me more confident with the girls. They just needed to get their legs under them and they were shooting lights out.”
GHS was plagued by turnovers in the first quarter versus Wesleyan, which were turned into transition points. The Wolves also went inside in the half court where they outscored GHS 38-2 on the night.
Wesleyan made 54 percent of its shots from the field and led 23-8 after a quarter and 45-20 at halftime. The Wolves extended their lead to 65-33 and the fourth was shortened to six minutes.
Gilmer drained 11/23 three-point attempts but shot just 5/21 from two-point range. Aliza Chastain and Marley Boatwright led GHS with 11 points apiece and Lucy Ray scored nine. Bree Burnette finished with eight assists.
Three Wolves were in double figures and included Bryanna Preston (18), Chazadi Wright (17) and Johanna Potter (16).
“It was tough going in knowing we didn’t have those quality practices. Hats off to them. They have three kids going Division I, and I think they’re nationally ranked No. 25,” said Wright.
West Hall only made three shots from the field and scored four points in the first half. The Spartans committed 40 turnovers, which included 21 Lady Cat steals.
It was a great night for Gilmer’s seniors, and Alaina Miltiades’ three pointer to start the game was the first of 13 for GHS. Chastain was the Cats’ top scorer with 17. Boatwright finished with 14 points and fellow senior KateLynn Carder scored eight.
Gilmer’s 22-2 lead after the first ballooned to 51-4 at the half. The Spartans’ demise continued over the final two quarters in Gilmer’s 69-point win.
GHS took on Adairsville Monday and lost its nonregion matchup to the Tigers, 54-47.
Gilmer cooled off from outside and hit just four three pointers on the afternoon. AHS extended its four-point first quarter lead to 29-22 at halftime.
Points were traded evenly over the third and fourth quarters and GHS suffered a seven-point loss.
GHS is 7-9 overall with a 2-4 region record. The Cats travel to Pickens Friday for a 7 p.m. game versus the No. 3 ranked Dragonettes.