03/28/2024
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WHITEVILLE – East Bladen senior Patience Ward has been named the Three Rivers Conference girls basketball Player of the Year. Joining Ward on the All-Conference team are sophomore teammate Mya McDonald and West Bladen seniors Kasee Singletary and Mikayla Meadows.

“Patience began working as soon as basketball was over last year to improve her outside shot and overall game,” said Lady Eagle Coach Patty Evers. “She spent many hours in the gym and at the county park! She knew that we had lost the bulk of our offense last year and she knew she would have to better.”

Ward (pictured, above) scored in double figures in 23 of 27 games and averaged 20.1 points per game as the Lady Eagles posted a 22-5 record and reached the second round of the NCHSAA Class 2A Play-offs. In East Bladen’s 2nd game of the season, Ward set a school record by pouring in 45 points against Jacksonville Northside.

She scored 20 or more points in 15 of her 27 games and rang up 37 points in a victory over Whiteville, then scored 31 more in a playoff win over Clinton. Ward grabbed 7.6 rebounds and was credited with 5 steals and 2 assists per game.

“Determination best describes the year she had and I truly believe we would have struggled to make the playoffs without her this year!” continued Evers. “She has also been a good teammate and a leader in the locker room as well.”

 

McDonald (pictured, above) took over at point guard for the Eagles and averaged 10.5 points per game. She also grabbed 7.1 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and was credited with 5 steals per game.

McDonald scored in double figures in 17 of 27 games and scored 20 points in wins over Northside and Grays Creek.

Receiving honorable mention for East Bladen were: sophomore Alexus Mitchell (10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.2 assists per game), senior Lorna Mendell (5.5 rebounds, 3.1 points) and junior Katie Evans (2.6 points, 2 steals).

Singletary (pictured, above) ran the West Bladen offense and keyed the Lady Knight defense with her ability to force turnovers. The senior guard averaged 8.2 points per game with a high of 24 points in a win over West Columbus.

Meadows (pictured, above) was the Lady Knights workhorse on the boards and scored 5 points per game with a season high of 13 in the play-in game win over Whiteville.

Receiving honorable mention for West Bladen were: senior Lexie Corrothers (9.8 points per game), senior Seniah Johnson (6.3 ppg) and sophomore Haley George (5.9 ppg).

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