Warming up for a Thursday evening showdown with Shorter University in Rome, Ga., the Lee women's basketball team coasted to a 96-42 victory over Hiwassee College.
Shelby Brown played only 21 minutes but averaged a point per minute in finishing with 21 markers. Freshman Anna Woodford was the only other Lady Flame in double-figure scoring (12). It was Senior Night and seniors Jordan Neuharth, Christina Johnson and Kayla Beavers drew starting assignments. Beavers hit three treys and finished with nine points. Johnson played only 12 minutes and collected four rebounds and two points. Neuharth, a defensive specialist, had two points, two rebounds and dished off a season-high eight assists.
Coach Marty Rowe used all 12 players who were suited up and 11 of those players scored. "This gave the coaching staff an opportunity to look at several of our younger players," commented the coach. "Our girls know what is ahead of us on Thursday at Shorter and I thought we did a pretty good job tonight."
The Lady Flames shot 55 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range. They went to the line 17 times and made 11. Lee also dominated the glass, 53-28 and had 22 assists compared to 13 turnovers.
Hiwassee was led by Tamyah Potts, who scored 18 points. Halei Lequire added nine and Kendra King tallied eight points. Potts had a double-double as she pulled down 10 rebounds. The Lady Tigers shot just 21 percent from the field and made only 4-of-22 shots from behind the arc. Hiwassee's strong point came at the free-throw stripe where they canned 12 of 13 attempts.
Thursday's battle at Shorter puts a lot on the line for both teams. A win would assure the Lady Flames of a top-four finish in the Gulf South Conference and enable coach Rowe's team to host an opening round tourney game on March 1. A loss could mean the Lady Flames might have to travel all the way to West Florida for an opening round contest.
"There are a lot of scenarios out there and the top eight teams will be battling for a higher seed in the tournament," said Rowe. "This is one reason our administration elected to join the GSC and Division II. It's a tough league and creates a lot of excitement. We are just happy to be in the mix."
