North Duplin’s No. 3 Abby Rose, goes up for a layup, adding to her season average of 19.5 points per game. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
The North Duplin Lady Rebels wasted no time setting the tone in the opening quarter. The first basket by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum sparked a dominant run that quickly put Spring Creek on its heels. North Duplin surged ahead to a 9–0 lead, highlighted by a strong finish from No. 3 Abby Rose and a momentum-shifting block by No. 10 Maggie Brown, who followed it up with a basket of her own.
Spring Creek finally broke through with a bucket from No. 3 Natalie Jackson but the Rebels continued to pour on the pressure. By the end of the first quarter, North Duplin held a commanding 21–2 lead.
Relentless Defense and Precision Offense in the Second Quarter
The Rebels opened the second quarter with another steal from No. 11 Lilly Fulghum, immediately converting it into points with a basket by No. 3 Abby Rose. Their aggressive defense led to three steals early in the quarter, making it difficult for the Lady Gators to establish any offensive rhythm.
Meanwhile, No. 10 Maggie Brown continued to control the post, adding multiple baskets as the Rebels stretched their lead to 31–2. Spring Creek found some life with a basket from No. 12 Anna-Claire Boyd., who also drew a foul but was unable to convert at the line. The Gators regained possession and scored again, inching their way to six points.
However, North Duplin responded swiftly with a basket from No. 15 Camden Cox followed by a momentum-crushing three-pointer from No. 11 Lilly Fulghum. The Rebels went into halftime firmly in control, leading 40–6.
Halftime Breakdown
North Duplin’s balanced scoring and constant defensive pressure were the story of the first half. With No. 3 Abby Rose, No. 10 Maggie Brown, and No. 11 Lilly Fulghum all reaching double figures before the break, the Rebels showcased depth and cohesion on both ends of the floor.
Spring Creek, meanwhile, continued searching for offensive rhythm, relying on early production from No. 3 Natalie Jackson and No. 12 Anna-Claire Boyd. The Lady Gators hoped to reset and find momentum in the second half, but the Rebels appeared poised to maintain their dominance.
Gators Show Fight but Rebels Hold Strong in the Third
Spring Creek opened the third quarter with renewed energy, though shots still struggled to fall. After a foul, No. 3 Abby Rose of the Rebels went 1-for-1 from the line to extend the lead. The Lady Gators responded with a steal by their own No. 3 Natalie Jackson, who also drew a foul and hit one of her free throws.
Despite the Gators’ improved effort, the Rebels continued to answer every score. North Duplin closed the quarter ahead 43–10, keeping control of the tempo and scoreboard.
Rebels Close Out with Authority in the Fourth
With eight minutes remaining, North Duplin looked to finish strong. No. 5 Sophia Davis opened the quarter with a smooth two-point jumper, followed by a strong rebound-and-score sequence from No. 15 Camden Cox.
The Gators’ No. 10 Allyson Velasquez provided a bright moment with a big three-pointer, bringing some life to the Spring Creek bench. But the Rebels immediately countered with a basket from No. 32 Abigeal Brown.
Spring Creek continued to battle, with No. 10 Allyson Velasquez drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to push the Gators to 15 points. But North Duplin’s early dominance proved too much to overcome. The Lady Rebels sealed the victory with a final score of 49–15.
Final Score North Duplin Rebels 49, Spring Creek Gators 15
