The North Duplin Lady Rebels vs. South Lenoir Lady Devils recently played in tournament action. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
Round 2: FCA Winter Tournament
North Duplin Lady Rebels vs. South Lenoir Lady Devils
The North Duplin Lady Rebels put together a strong all-around performance to defeat the South Lenoir Lady Devils and advance in the FCA Winter Tournament. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Rebels controlled the pace with aggressive defense and efficient scoring, earning a convincing 51–36 win.
First Quarter: Rebels Get to the Basket Early
The Lady Rebels wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, striking first with an early layup by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum. Looking to push the tempo, North Duplin quickly established momentum. South Lenoir responded with a basket by No. 3 Abby Rose, but the Rebels answered back with a big three-pointer from No. 12 Reagan Herring.
After drawing a foul, No. 11 Lilly Fulghum went to the line and converted a free throw. The Rebels stayed aggressive on the boards, leading to a strong two-point jump shot from No. 12 Reagan Herring. South Lenoir struggled to find consistency against the Rebels’ defense, despite forcing a few turnovers.
The Lady Devils finally added points from the free-throw line but North Duplin maintained control. A basket by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum closed out the quarter, giving the Rebels a 13–4 lead at the end of the first.
Second Quarter: Rebels Build a Commanding Lead
North Duplin opened the second quarter with another basket by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum, followed by a score from No. 3 Abby Rose as the Rebels extended their lead. South Lenoir capitalized on a steal to get a basket of their own, but the Rebels quickly responded.
After a foul sent No. 3 Abby Rose to the line, she converted her free throw. Moments later, No. 3 Abby Rose added a steal and a basket, further energizing the Rebels. The defensive pressure continued, resulting in another foul and a free throw from No. 11 Lilly Fulghum.
North Duplin controlled the glass, leading to a basket by No. 32 Abigeal Brown, followed by another score from No. 10 Maggie Brown. At halftime, the Rebels held a comfortable 23–10 advantage.
Halftime Recap: Rebels in Control
At halftime, the North Duplin Lady Rebels led by 15 points, thanks to a balanced offensive effort and strong defensive play. No. 11 Lilly Fulghum led all scorers with 11 points, dominating in the post while also showing range from beyond the arc. No. 3 Abby Rose and No. 12 Reagan Herring each contributed 5 points, rounding out the Rebels’ key scorers.
The South Lenoir Lady Devils totaled 10 points in the first half and showed flashes of potential, but struggled to maintain possession against North Duplin’s relentless defense.
Third Quarter: Rebels Maintain Control
The Rebels opened the third quarter with a basket, but South Lenoir answered with a score of their own. North Duplin quickly added two more baskets to reassert control. A foul gave the Lady Devils a brief spark, as they converted free throws to add points.
No. 11 Lilly Fulghum continued her strong performance with another basket, while South Lenoir responded with a well-executed jump shot. Miscommunication on a few Rebel passes allowed the Lady Devils to stay within reach, and they added more points from the free-throw line.
After a timeout by Coach Kornegay and a technical foul called on the Rebels, South Lenoir capitalized at the line. Still, North Duplin closed the quarter firmly in control, leading 40–22 heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Rebels Finish Strong
With eight minutes remaining, No. 3 Abby Rose opened the fourth quarter with a layup for the Rebels. South Lenoir responded with a layup of their own, but North Duplin quickly answered back with a deep three-pointer from No. 3 Abby Rose.
The Rebels continued to pressure the ball, forcing a steal and drawing another foul. No. 11 Lilly Fulghum converted from the free-throw line, followed by yet another steal and a clutch three-pointer by No. 12 Reagan Herring. South Lenoir fought hard and added a late layup, but time was not on their side.
The final buzzer sounded with the Lady Rebels securing the victory.
Final Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 51, South Lenoir Lady Devils 36
