Herald Photo by Carey Phillips
Kaitlin Ritchie drives against a pair of North Buncombe defenders in Smoky Mountain's season-ending loss to North Buncombe last week in the state playoffs. |
It's often been said that one player can't win a basketball game.
Anyone who witnessed the state 3-A women's sectional semifinal game between Smoky Mountain and North Buncombe last Thursday at the SM gym might disagree. Tiffany Atkins scored 36 points almost single-handedly leading North to a 58-49 victory. That's 62 percent of her team's points. Teammate Jennifer Castolloe added 11. "Atkins had an incredible game," SM Coach Cindi Simmons said. "We played good defense against her, but she hit some tough shots all night." For the Lady Mustangs (21-4), it was a disappointing end to an outstanding season. They were led by Elexis Smith with 13 points and Lindsey Lewis with 12. "Our kids played hard throughout the game," Simmons said. "I was proud of our effort." The Lady Mustangs got off to a good start as their press created turnovers and led to transition baskets in the early going. The result was an 8-2 lead on Kaitlin Ritchie's layup with 5:08 left in the first period. SM held a 12-8 advantage at the quarter break. More on Lady Mustangs . . . |
Huge ASU run