By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
A smothering halfcourt trap helped lock down West Craven’s offense and unlock Washington’s, as the Pam Pack girls were able to top the Eagles 47-39 on Friday.
The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Washington (9-10, 4-6), who was happy to be playing at home after being the visitors in seven out of the last eight games.
After the game Pam Pack coach Allison Jones said she was relieved to break the losing streak.
While it may not have been picturesque basketball, the Pack was able to paint a winning picture with its defense.
After taking a 7-3 lead midway through the first quarter, Washington was held scoreless for the next four minutes as the Eagles ripped off an 11-0 run to take a 14-7 lead into the second quarter.
Looking to spark its offense, Jones moved to a halfcourt trap, which was executed perfectly by guards Haley Stowe (10 points) and Harmony Simpkins (10 points).
The aggressive backcourt tandem created several steals which lead to easy Pam Pack points, and after a Simpkins layup Washington regained the lead at 14-13.
Though the Pack may have blown an easy bucket or two, the Eagles couldn’t buy one as Washington held them to two second quarter points to take a 21-16 lead into halftime.
Sharita Grice made major contribution on offense as she scored the last five points of the half for Washington, and finished the game with 10 points.
Forward/center Samantha Smith led all Pam Pack scorers with 12, despite missing a large portion of the fourth quarter after fouling out.
West Craven’s Chiquita Jackson led all scorers with 12 points.
West Craven 59, Washington 49
Lack of consistency and intensity crushed Washington on Friday as it fell 59-49 to West Craven. After two quarters of play the Pam Pack (9-6, 5-5)found themselves down only 25-23 to the Eagles, but its offense was no where to be found in the third quarter as West Craven out-scored the Pam Pack 18-3 en rout to the victory.
The Pam Pack’s struggles weren’t so bad in the first half as Cor-J Cox’s seven first half points held Washington trail only 25-23 at the half. However, Cox would only score three more points the rest of the game.
Defensively, West Craven’s Erik Highsmith and Jimmy Gross were too much for the Pack as Highsmith had a game-high 18 points and Gross added 14.
After the two point third quarter, the game appeared to be headed for a blowout, but the Pack upped its intensity in the fourth led by Dakuan Spencer’s 12 fourth quarter points.
Spencer came into the fourth having only two points, but exploded early in the quarter and after converting back-to-back threes, Washington trailed by 49-32.
A Jamar Moore three helped the Pack shave the Eagles’ lead down to 49-41, but West Craven was able to hold off Washington’s rally.
After the game Lawrence credited the Eagles for their intensity.
Lawrence said he was happy to see his team not give up in the fourth quarter, but said he wants to see them play like that consistently.
The Pack will get its shot at redemption on Tuesday when it hosts J.H. Rose.
Girls
West Craven 14 2 12 11 — 39
Washington 7 14 18 8 — 47
Eagles (39)
Chiquita Green 13, Shatyria Brown 10, Jones 7, Sheppard 9.
Pam Pack (47)
Samantha Smith 12, Harmony Simpkins 10, Haley Stowe 10, Bachelor 2, Sharita Grice 10, Palmer 4.
West Craven 14 11 18 16 — 59
Washington 10 13 3 13 — 49
Eagles (59)
Jimmy Gross 14, Erik Highsmith 18, Crowell 8, Warren 4, Becton 4, Moosing 6, Reed 4.
Pam Pack (49)
Daniels 2, Dakuan Spencer 14, Cor-J Cox 10, Griffin 8, Cogdell 5, Moore 8, Godley 2.