The Gilmer Lady Cats spent another week facing some of the best Class 3A has to offer.
GHS played two of its final three region basketball games last week, and the Cats were up against No. 5 ranked White County and No. 2 Wesleyan. Gilmer met White County on the road Tuesday, and the Warriors defended their home turf to the tune of a 65-20 victory.
The Cats hosted Wesleyan Friday, and the Wolves possessed plenty of ability on both ends of the court. GHS had a better offensive night, but Wesleyan notched a 63-36 win.
Head coach Dani Wright discussed another busy week for the Cats and their difficult season, noting, “We’ve been going six days per week, our bodies have been taking a pounding and we’ve been doing it since December. Playing four of the top six teams in the state (No. 4 Pickens and No. 6 Dawson County in addition to Wesleyan and White) in this region, I’m proud of my girls for fighting through and progressing.
“We got shots versus Wesleyan and our defense was good, and they just played together and did a lot of little things to compete. I know it doesn’t always show in the score, and Wesleyan is fighting for the state championship. I’m really proud of our girls for staying together.”
White County had five players with at least nine points Tuesday. The Warriors tallied 26 close-range points while converting 19 GHS turnovers into 19 more points.
After scoring nine in the opening quarter, Gilmer was held scoreless in the second. WCHS led by eight points after a quarter and by 22 at halftime.
The Warriors made four of their seven three pointers in the third as the Cats continued to struggle. White expanded upon its lead in the fourth where GHS was limited to two points.
Aliza Chastain led the Cats with six points and Bree Burnette added five. Emma Lightsey and Zoe Burkett each scored 11 points for WCHS.
Wesleyan had too many weapons for the Cats to keep pace. Guard Chazadi Wright found success driving for points and fouls when she was not hitting open jump shots. While the Cats scored 16 more points than they did versus White, they fell behind early.
Wesleyan opened a 15-7 lead after a quarter and went on a 20-1 run to begin the second. GHS trailed by 18 at halftime but found some offensive consistency over the final two quarters.
Chastain scored all 15 of her points in the second half, and nine came in the third quarter. Chelsey Griggs, Sophia Riblet and Jaylee McDaniel also added their name to the stat sheet as the Lady Cats scored 16 points.
Grace McCloud contributed 20 points for the Wolves as well, and her 10 third-quarter points helped Wesleyan open a 59-26 lead. Chastain knocked down two more three pointers in the fourth quarter of the region defeat.
Gilmer has a 7-15 overall record and are 2-9 in the region. The Cats wrapped up the regular season at press deadline at West Hall.