FAIRMONT – Senior Maya McDonald fired in 16 points and dished out 6 assists to lead unbeaten East Bladen to a 43-40 Southeastern Athletic Conference girls’ basketball victory over Fairmont Monday night.
McDonald also grabbed 6 rebounds for the Lady Eagles who withstood a Fairmont rally in the final period. Senior Alexus Mitchell rang up 10 points for the winners, and junior AnnaGrey Heustess tossed in 9 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Freshman Iveonna “NeNe” Ward came up with 6 steals and had 2 assists.
The Lady Eagles led 37-27 after 3 periods, but 2 baskets each by Miah Smith and LaKayla Chavis sparked a 13-6 Lady Tornado run that sliced the final margin to 3 points. McDonald threw in 2 key baskets, and Mitchell sank 2 free throws to keep East Bladen on top.
“It was rough,” said East Bladen Coach Patty Evers. “We held on for the win. They have improved tremendously from last year.” Heustess and Mitchell were both a perfect 4-4 from the foul line as the Lady Eagles made 10 of 13 free throws compared to 6 of 16 for Fairmont.
McDonald attacked the paint for 3 baskets and a free throw in the opening period, and Mitchell drained a 3-point shot to keep East Bladen tied 10-10 at the quarter break.
Mitchell nailed another 3-ball and 2 free throws, and freshman Laila Smith dropped in 2 baskets as East Bladen built a 23-19 halftime lead. Heustess buried 2 foul shots, and McDonald flipped in a basket in the period.
Heustess drained a 3-ball, a basket and 2 free throws to key a 14-8 East Bladen surge that opened up the 37-27 lead at the 3rd quarter break. McDonald, Ward and junior Maegan Burney pumped in a basket each during the run.
The Lady Eagles improved to 2-0 in SAC-7 play and 13-0 overall and will host Red Springs Wednesday night.
East Bladen 10 13 14 6 – 43
Fairmont 10 9 8 13 – 40
East Bladen (43) – Iveonna Ward 2, Maya McDonald 16, Alexus Mitchell 10, AnnaGrey Heustess 9, Karli Priest, Zoe Smith, Maegan Burney 2, Laila Smith 4.
Fairmont (40) – LaKayla Chavis 4, Destiny Melvin 9, Haley George 2, Niah Smith 4, Miah Smith 7, Amyrikal Vaught 8, Zariah Locklear 4, Myasia Simms 2.
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