South Warren pushes through for third straight win
Published 5:13 pm Monday, December 30, 2024
South Warren freshman Jooniper Strow (12) is defended by Green County freshman Chloe Fortner (24) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren freshman Karis Carter (24) is defended near the goal by Green County senior Baylee Fortner (21) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren sophomore Averi Fugate (40) and junior McLaine Hudson (11) are defended at the goal by Green County senior Baylee Fortner (21) and freshman Chloe Fortner (24) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren junior McLaine Hudson (11) is defended by Green County eighth grader Isabella Clopton (10) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
Green County freshman Chloe Fortner (24) defends South Warren senior Ashley Overbay (21) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren senior Jenna Lindsey (3) is defended by Green County freshman Kaylen Scout Brockman (31) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren freshman Jooniper Strow (12) drives to the basket during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren junior McLaine Hudson (11) drives to the basket during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
South Warren senior Jenna Lindsey (3) defends Green County senior Mia Blaydes (11) during the Spartans’ 51-40 win over the Dragons in Sunday’s Firstbank Holiday Bash matchup at South Warren High School.
The South Warren girls’ basketball team had to dig deep during Sunday’s third-place game against Green County in the First Bank Classic at South Warren High School.
Playing for the fourth time in three days, South Warren battled fatigue and a slow offensive start to slip past Green County 51-40. South Warren (3-7) was able to wear down the Lady Dragons and pull away in the fourth quarter to earn a third straight win.
“It doesn’t always have to be pretty, but you want the win either way,” South Warren coach Lane Embry said. “I felt like we did a good job of following the game plan.”
Both teams got off to a slow start, unable to find an offensive rhythm. Green County (9-3) finished 3-for-17 shooting in the first quarter. South Warren was 2-for-13, trailing 7-6 heading into the second.
Green County got a jumper from Kaylen Scout Brockman to open the second before South Warren scored six straight to surge in front. A 3-pointer from Ashley Overbay extended the margin to 20-14 late in the first half, with the Lady Dragons trimming the deficit to 22-18 at halftime.
South Warren maintained the lead throughout the third, with Green County getting as close as one before a McLaine Hudson putback at the buzzer made the score 33-30 after three.
The Spartans were able to hold the lead the rest of the way, finally getting the distance with an 8-0 run to close the game.
“We just came together as a team and we looked each other in the eye and said, ‘We got this,’ ” South Warren freshman guard Jooniper Strow said. “We knew we were tired, but we just came together and pushed forward.”
Strow led a balanced attack with 19 points. Hudson added 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Jenna Lindsey finished with 11 points.
“We want balance if we can get it, but we will take points wherever they come from,” Embry said. “We tell the girls if it comes your time to take the shot, then take the shot. Everybody can defend and I think that has been the key the last three games. We have held teams to lower than their average point total and that has to be our goal every single time.”
Sunday’s win was South Warren’s third in a little more than 24 hours. After an 0-7 start, Embry said it is nice to get some momentum with District 14 play set to begin on Friday.
“That’s why you play a tough schedule early, play good teams,” Embry said. “They are going to make you figure out what you are good at and what you need work in. I felt like every team we have played has taught us something this year.”
South Warren returns to action at Daviess County at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday before opening district play at Warren Central at 6 p.m. on Friday.
GCHS 7 11 12 10 – 40
SWHS 6 16 11 18 – 51
GC – Brockman 13, C. Fortner 12, Dixon 5, Blaydes 4, Clopton 3, B. Fortner 3.
SW – Strow 19, Hudson 13, Lindsey 11, Fugate 5, Overbay 3.
About Micheal Compton
I am a sports reporter and movie critic for the Bowling Green Daily News.
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