The Gilmer Lady Cats’ basketball schedule has not gotten any easier.
The Cats’ early season slate has been littered with ranked opponents, and last week they faced two of Class 3A’s best on the road.
Gilmer was in Lumpkin County Tuesday, and the defending state champions and No. 3 ranked Indians lived up to their billing. GHS was held scoreless in the second quarter and never recovered in a 66-28 loss.
Next up was No. 2 ranked White County Friday, and the Warriors downed the Cats, 68-20. GHS was at North Murray Saturday, and the Mountaineers’ lead grew to as much as 10 points. Gilmer took a brief lead in the fourth, but NMHS snatched a 48-46 win.
Versus Lumpkin, the Indians gladly took advantage of 25 GHS turnovers for 30 points. LCHS concentrated its half-court efforts on outside shots, and it made 8/27 threes on the night.
“We did some good stuff in the first quarter,” said head coach Dani Wright. “We’ve been working on our scoring, and looking to face up and make moves toward the basket, as well as creating space. We came out great, just didn’t score in the second. We’ve just had those lulls and that’s what we’re working on.
“Defensively, I thought we did a really good job against them and kind of found our groove a little bit.”
Lumpkin was able to build a 19-10 lead after the first, and points eluded Gilmer in the second to trail 37-10 at halftime. GHS improved its play in the second half, but suffered a region road loss.
GHS scoring: Amayah Jones (seven), Aliza Chastain (six), Anna Waddell (five), Grace Bramlett (four), Sophia Riblet and Lucy Ray (two) and Chelsey Griggs (one).
Jones was the Cats’ top rebounder with four as Bramlett, Ray and Maddie Wright grabbed three apiece.
In regard to the White County game, Wright said, “White came out super aggressive and pressed. They have a lot of height as well. They’re No. 2 in the state and they showed it. They’re a very good team and we did the best we could.”
Gilmer cut its turnovers down to 18 versus North Murray. GHS also shot much better from outside and made seven three pointers on the night. Both Madison Bradshaw and Ray collected four offensive rebounds, which were converted into 10 points.
GHS led in the first before North Murray took over midway through for a 13-9 lead. NMHS was up 29-20 at the half before the Cats made their comeback. Both Bramlett and Chastain made a pair of threes in the third.
North Murray held a 40-38 edge with a quarter to play. While Gilmer was able to creep ahead in the fourth, NMHS regained the lead midway through the quarter and did not relinquish it.
Chastain led GHS with 12 points and three assists. Bradshaw scored 10 and added nine rebounds, while Ray scored eight and had 10 boards.
“This was our highest scoring game so far, so the girls are getting better,” Wright said. “We had chances to win the game but missed shots. We just have to stay focused on instruction and what we’re drawing up. The girls played pretty good defense, ran the floor well, and we did a good job of breaking their press.”
The Lady Cats have a 1-11 overall record and hosted Sonoraville at press deadline.