PIPPA PASSES, KY – The Alice Lloyd Lady Eagles started the home portion of their schedule on the right note as they earned two victories over the weekend. They defeated the Johnson University Royals 60-44 on Friday and followed that up with a hard-fought 88-83 win over the Warren Wilson Owls on Saturday afternoon.
ALC- 60
JU-44
Junior guard Kayla Wilson tossed in a game high 16 points to spark ALC to the home opener decision.
In the opening quarter, Lady Eagle senior forward Amber Shepherd came out strong, pumping in 8 points to lead the hosts to a 15-13 lead.
In the second stanza, JU would battle back to take the lead, but ALC senior forward Emily Clonce drained a triple at the buzzer, giving her club a slim 27-26 advantage at intermission.
In the third quarter, Wilson scored 7 consecutive points to lift the hosts to an 8 point advantage. They would lead 43-36 by quarters end.
In the last period, Alice Lloyd would open the first five minutes on a 15-4 run to sprint ahead 58-40. The girls from Caney Creek would coast to victory from there.
For the victors (2-1), Wilson’s 16 points came on 7-10 field goals. She added 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Shepherd added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Sophomore forward India Hairston-James came off the bench to contribute a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
The Royals (2-4) were led by Taylor Baham with 12 points.
The Eagles connected on 38.1% (28-63) from the floor and 31.3% (10-16) from long range. They had 38 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 steals.
Johnson connected on just 29.2% (14-42) from the floor and 28.6% (4-14) from long range. They had 32 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. They also committed 19 turnovers.
ALC- 88
WW-83
Sophomore forward India Hairston-James pumped in 20 points and saw four teammates join her in double figures as the Eagles held on down the stretch to defeat a talented Warren Wilson squad.
The two foes battled earlier this season in a game that saw the Owls win on a buzzer beater at home, and this contest started out in a similar fashion.
Led by star guard Danasia Dumas, the visitors came out of the gates determined to sweep the season series. They led 25-22 after one quarter of action.
In the second quarter, James took over for the hosts as she combined with junior guard Kayla Wilson and senior forward Amber Shepherd to drain numerous long range bombs. When the dust settled, ALC led 48-32.
The third quarter started beautifully for Coach John Mills’ squad as his girls continued their dead-eye shooting. They led by 29 points with just over five minutes remaining in the quarter and looked poised to completely put the Owls away.
To their credit, the visitors responded. Led by Dumas, who averages 26 points per game on the season, and backcourt mate Jada McCrimmon, the Owls begin to chip away at the lead. They trailed 69-53 by quarters end.
In the crucial last quarter, fouls on the hosts slowed the tempo down and allowed WW to slice further into the deficit. Incredibly, Warren Wilson was able to shrink the margin to only 3 (78-75) with 1:58 remaining and the home fans began to get nervous.
Fortunately for the Lady Eagles, senior forward Sara Robinson stepped up and hit three clutch three throws while junior guard Miranda Wilson drained two more to end the threat.
For the victors (3-1), Hairston-James 20 points included 5-10 long range field goals. She added 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Kayla Wilson added 18 points on 7-10 field goals and 3-4 triples. She added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Shepherd added 18 points while swishing 4-5 from behind the arc while Miranda Wilson did her part, adding 12 points, 6 rebounds, and a team-high 3 steals. Robinson cracked double figures as well with 11 points and a game-high 4 assists.
The Owls (4-4) were led by Dumas and McCrimmon, with 32 and 21 points respectively.
The Eagles connected on 42.6% (29-68) from the floor and a solid 48.3% (14-29) from long range. They had 41 rebounds, 14 assists, and 9 steals.
Warren Wilson connected on just 32.8% (22-67) from the floor and 30% (9-30) from long range. They had 44 rebounds, 6 assists, and 10 steals. They also committed 19 turnovers.
The Lady Eagles return to action on Tuesday as they travel to Nashville, Tennessee to battle Welch College. Tip-off is set for 5pm.