By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Elizabeth White poured in a game-high14 points to lead Hokes Bluff to a 36-29 victory over Gaston in high school girls basketball action last Tuesday (Dec. 4).
Carlie Shields set the tempo early on in burying two quick three-pointers. Hokes Bluff led 15-9 at the end of the first quarter, and the Lady Eagles increased their lead to 24-14 at the half.
Gaston head coach Tonya Bogle was not pleased with her team’s first half effort, challenging her players to pick up their effort in start the second half.
Bogle’s request appeared to be complied by the Lady Bulldogs, as Gaston went on a 9-2 run in the third quarter to cut the Hokes Bluff lead to 26-23 going into the final frame. Gaston’s Destiny Allen knocked down three of her 10 points in the quarter.
With the game on the line and Hokes Bluff leading by only three points, White scored five unanswered points and the Lady Eagles never looked back.
With the score standing at 31-27, the Lady Dawgs managed only a pair of free throws down the stretch.
Shields added nine points for Hokes Bluff.
Allen led Gaston with 10 points, followed by Abby Elrod with eight points and Kierra Porter with seven.
“We have an extremely young team with young guards,” said Bogle. “They are learning to play on a different level, and we will be okay by season’s end.”