North Duplin guard Addy Higginbotham keeps possession of the ball against Spring Creek defender Sarah Kirby during second-half action Friday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com(
North Duplin’s Meghan Martin has a shot blocked by Spring Creek’s Heather Alexander during their non-conference game in Calypso on Friday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — North Duplin’s girls have undoubtedly struggled since their appearance in the Greater Neuse River Fellowship of Christian Athletes Winter Classic contested a few days ago.
Missing offensive continuity and team chemistry, the lady Rebels exited the three-day tournament on a four-game skid.
They finally stepped back into the win column Friday evening.
The backcourt tandem of Reece Outlaw and Addy Higginbotham combined for 32 points during a 50-32 conquest of Spring Creek.
“The girls were frustrated,” ND head coach John Oliver said. “They told me [Tuesday] against East Duplin that ‘we’re drained coach, we need a break.’ Everybody was telling me that the tournament was going to help us, but it hurt us. We are not the same team we were before Christmas.
“It was good to get back home.”
North Duplin claimed an early 11-0 lead.
The Rebels extended their margin to 22-11 at halftime and slowly increased their lead throughout the second half. Tateyawna Faison dominated the offensive glass after the intermission and filled her stat sheet with eight points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots for the game.
Higginbotham had five assists, three steals and four rebounds. Outlaw collected six steals and four rebounds, while Meghan Martin and Lilly Fulghum pulled down four boards apiece.
Trinity Daniels paced the short-handed Gators with 19 points.
SC head coach Paul Hayes said his team hasn’t been at full strength since a home contest against Midway. Point guard Emily Williams sat out against North Duplin. Sarah Kirby played sparingly after suffering a first-quarter knee injury.
The Rebels (6-5 overall) head to “The Swamp” for a rematch next Wednesday. The Gators (4-6) wrap up a six-game road swing Tuesday at former Carolina 1A rival Hobbton.
