Nicholson keys Lady Mustangs to year's first basketball victory

When Smoky Mountain's women's basketball team broke a 16-game losing streak dating back to last season, they decided to do it in a big way.

Stasha Nicholson erupted for 35 points and 17 rebounds leading the Lady Mustangs (1-5) to a 97-64 rout of Andrews in the first round of the Mustang Christmas Tournament last Thursday at the SM gym.

Danielle Bowers added 22 points and 11 rebounds for SM while Jennifer Hyatt scored 11 points. Andrews was led by Hillary Webster with 20 points. Sheena Cutshaw added 17, and Whitney Luther had 14.

"I'm real happy for our kids," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "They were relaxed and just went out and played and had fun. Everybody contributed to the win. We had real good practices the week before Christmas."

The Lady Mustangs had their offense clicking all night both in transition and in half court sets. In the fourth quarter, they scored 32 points, which is just 10 less than they were averaging per game coming into the contest.

"We had good ball movement," Simmons said. "Our passing looked good. We really got the ball inside and gave a great effort on the boards offensively and defensively."

SM took the lead for good at 2-1 on a basket by Bowers 16 seconds into the game and never looked back.

It was obvious that this night was going to be different for the Lady Mustangs as they ran off 18 unanswered points, including six by Nicholson and five by Bowers, for a 24-4 lead after the first quarter.

The margin grew to 32-8 on a fast break layup by Jessie Woodard with 5:08 remaining in the half.

The Lady Wildcats responded with a 12-2 spurt, including six by Webster, cutting the gap to 34-20 with 2:18 on the clock.

Bowers scored the first two baskets of the second half, and the outcome was no longer in doubt. SM led 65-43 entering the fourth period.

The frantic final eight minutes saw the teams combine for 53 points. The game's biggest lead was 90-59 on Nicholson's three-point play with 2:20 remaining.

Nicholson connected on 10 field goals and 15 free throws. Bowers hit nine field goals and four foul shots. Hyatt made four field goals, including a three-pointer and two free throws.

Woodard finished with eight points, Julie Cagle followed with seven, Tori Kelly netted six, Kristine Webb scored four, Leslie Mathis had three and Katie Crisp hit a free throw.

Cagle handed out five assists.

Regarding Nicholson's performance, Simmons said, "What can you sat about Stasha? She had a great all-around game. It speaks for itself."

She added, "Danielle was also a force inside offensively and on the boards."

Back to Sports: 010203.