The Gilmer Lady Cats have continued to show strides on the basketball court.
GHS was in action for a pair of home games following Christmas. Fannin County (11-2 overall), the No. 3 ranked Class A team, was in town last Monday. The Cats got off to a fast start and ran away from the Lady Rebels in the second half for a 57-38 rivalry win.
The LaFayette Ramblers (10-4) were in Ellijay Saturday for a region tilt. Like the Fannin game, it was close through a half. The Cats’ strong third quarter allowed them to distance themselves as they strolled to victory, 58-42.
“That was probably our most complete game,” head coach David Dowse said of the Cats’ win over Fannin. “Considering the opponent and history and the fact they had beaten us already a week earlier, I was very pleased. And I was pleased with our effort offensively and defensively. We had four kids in double digits so we’re spreading out the scoring. I thought we took good shots, and we were taking the shots we want.
“We didn’t let up. They would go on a little 6-0 run, but we had control of the game the vast majority of the time. We matched their physicality. Last time, we weren’t as physical, but this time we definitely were.”
GHS did not give up many easy attempts versus Fannin, and the Rebels shot poorly in every regard. FCHS made a mere 30 percent of its shots from the field and only converted 3/12 free-throw attempts. Gilmer forced 16 turnovers on the day and turned them into 18 points.
Fannin’s shooting woes were there in the opening period. While the Cats have not had trouble firing three pointers this season, they concentrated their efforts inside. GHS repeatedly attacked the basket and were rewarded with an 18-8 lead.
The Rebels did find an offensive spark in the second quarter. They had success feeding the post and driving the lane and also made two three pointers. GHS remained ahead and enjoyed a 28-24 halftime advantage.
The Rebels returned to earth in the third and were back to shooting below 35 percent. The Cats opted to continue to attack the basket, and they pushed their lead to 44-36.
Gilmer kept its offense rolling in the fourth to put the game away. FCHS was only able to muster two made free throws while shooting 0/9 from the field.
Jace Sanderson led GHS with 15 points, and she grabbed seven rebounds. Paula Robertson finished with 12 points and five boards. Chelsey Griggs was there for 10 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three blocks. Aliza Chastain scored 11 points and was followed by Bree Burnette (seven) and Madison Bradshaw (two).
Gilmer and LaFayette had identical point totals in the first, second and fourth quarters. However, when Gilmer outscored the Ramblers 22-6 in the third, the Cats put the game on ice.
Neither team had a great shooting night as GHS made 33 percent of its attempts. LaFayette shot just 21 percent from the field, which included an 18 percent effort on its two-point shots. The Ramblers’ top offensive weapon ended up being the free-throw line where they made 21/31 attempts.
While Gilmer limited its turnovers to seven, the Cats forced 17. GHS converted the Ramblers’ offensive mishaps into 17 points.
The game was even at 8-8 after a quarter and 24-24 at the half. LHS made only 2/13 attempts in the third. Aside from Sanderson’s three pointer, GHS continually went inside and opened a 46-30 lead.
LaFayette shot 1/11 from the field in the fourth as its offense continued to falter and the Cats won by 16.
“Twenty-one of their 42 points came from the free-throw line,” Dowse said. “And they only made three field goals the entire second half. I felt really good about our defensive game plan going in, and for the most part, we executed it. We had a little foul trouble but cleaned that up in the second half dealing with their dribble hand-offs and trying to get into the paint. I was really pleased with the defensive effort. The offense is coming around, and we’re starting to score like I thought we would early in the season.
“We’re doing a better job with the mental part of the game and realizing there’s a scouting report and there’s a game plan. You can’t just roll the ball out there and just play. I’m pleased we’re doing a better job with that.”
Sanderson was there for 21 points and five rebounds, while Robertson nabbed 13 boards and scored 11. Griggs added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Burnette snatched four steals.
Gilmer is 7-6 overall and 2-1 in region games.
GHS makes its way to Calhoun today for a 6 p.m. tipoff, and they will be at Heritage Friday for a 7 p.m. game. Gilmer will host Murphy Saturday at 5 p.m., and seniors will be recognized after the game.
Junior varsity
The LaFayette Ramblers were the latest team to run into the buzz saw that is the junior varsity Lady Cats.
Four Gilmer players hit double figures, and the Cats buried the ramblers, 70-29.
Lady Cat Makenna Taylor hit four three points on the afternoon and scored 28 points without playing the fourth quarter.
Twelve of Ally Phillips’ 17 points came in the final quarter, and she was trailed by teammates Jaylee McDaniel (12), Rosie Everett (10), Madison Hall (six) and Morgan Palmeri (two).
LHS was in the game for a quarter, but that all changed quite drastically. GHS was ahead 10-5 after the first and 23-13 at the half. Gilmer extended its lead to 52-17 with a quarter to play and did not let up over the final minutes of the game.
The JV Cats are 6-0 and travel to Calhoun today for a 4:30 p.m. game.