03/28/2024
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LAKE WACCAMAW- Sophomore Laila Smith posted a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead East Bladen to a 58-31 non-conference girls’ basketball victory over East Columbus Wednesday night.

Laila Smith powered in 2 baskets and cashed in 6 of 7 free throws in the opening period as the Lady Eagles raced to a 20-8 lead. Senior AnnaGrey Heustess drained a 3-point shot, junior Zoe Smith and sophomore Iveonna “NeNe” Ward threw in baskets and Maegan Burney dropped in 2 free throws in the quarter.

Burney tossed in 2 baskets and a free throw in the 2nd period. Laila Smith banged in 2 more baskets. Ward buried a 3-point shot, Zoe Smith rang up another basket, and Heustess hit a free throw to grow the lead to 35-18 at halftime.

Three more baskets from Burney and a pair of buckets from Laila Smith grew the lead to 45-25 at the 3rd quarter break.

Laila Smith popped in 2 more baskets in the final period. Burney flipped in another basket and a free throw, senior Karli Priest sank 2 free throws, and Brianna Phillips and freshman Cabria Baldwin pumped in a basket each.

Laila Smith was also credited with 5 steals to go with her double-double. Burney fired in 16 points, blocked 2 shots and had 4 steals. Ward finished with 5 points and 6 steals. Heustess pulled down 7 rebounds to go with her 4 points, and Priest grabbed 4 rebounds. Zoe Smith added 4 points and 2 steals.

Malayah Hines led the Lady Gators with 12 points, and Malia Graham followed with 7 points.

Coach Patty Evers’ Lady Eagles improved to 3-0 and will host Whiteville Friday night.

East Bladen      20  15  10  13 -58
East Columbus  8  10    7    6 – 31

EAST BLADEN (58) – Iveonna “NeNe” Ward 5, Martha Simmons, Ariel Cromartie 1, Cabria Baldwin 2, AnnaGrey Heustess 4, Karli Priest 2, Zoe Smith 4, Maegan Burney 16, Laila Smith 22, Nia McKoy, Brianna Phillips 2, Niyha Wooten.

EAST COLUMBUS (31) – Malayah Hines 12, Malia Graham 7, Destiny Mitchell 6, Kaley Mitchell 2, Chynna Patrick, Zaria Swindell, Shamiah Johnson, Analasia Vereen 2, Alaya White, Rylie Graham 2.

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