HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The South Pittsburg Lady Pirates and Whitwell Lady Tigers split their regular-season series in two tightly contested games. The teams met again Monday night with significant regional tournament implications on the line. After two previous close battles, it was Whitwell that took control this time, earning a 72-51 victory.
The Lady Pirates got off to a fast start when Kaydance Ferrell knocked down a triple on the first possession of the game. South Pittsburg held the lead until midway through the first quarter, when Whitwell seized momentum for good. By the end of the opening period, the Lady Tigers led 22-12.
South Pittsburg scored 12 points in each quarter of the first half but struggled defensively, unable to slow Whitwell’s offense or break the press. The Lady Tigers added 20 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 42-24 lead into halftime.
Whitwell’s offense did not slow down after the break, as the Lady Tigers scored 22 points in the third quarter. South Pittsburg managed just nine points coming out of the intermission. In the final period, Whitwell focused on working the clock and scored eight points, while the Lady Pirates posted their highest-scoring quarter with 16 points.
For the Lady Pirates, Adrianna Robinson led all scorers with 31 points. Jaylee Johnson added nine points, Ferrell finished with five, and Madison Hawkins and Ariyah McKinney contributed three points each.
For the Lady Tigers, Callie Brock paced the team with 27 points. Kiley Billingsley followed with 17 points, Ayva Apostle scored 14, Layla Holder added six, Charlee Casseday had four, and Anistyn Tate and Sophie Cookston finished with two points apiece.
South Pittsburg will travel to Copper Basin on Friday for the first round of the Region Tournament, while Whitwell will hit the road to face CSLA. Both games are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.