Spring Creek’s No. 22 Nicole Jackson looks to create an opportunity as the Gators settle into their offense.
The North Duplin Lady Rebels wasted no time setting the tone against the Spring Creek Lady Gators, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back.
North Duplin struck first with a basket by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum followed by strong scoring from No. 3 Abby Rose and No. 10 Maggie Brown. A steal by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum led to another basket by No. 3 Abby Rose, and after a rebound by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum, No. 3 Abby Rose scored again to push the Rebels ahead 12–0. Spring Creek was forced to call an early timeout to regroup.
After the timeout, the Gators struggled to regain momentum. A steal by No. 31 Abigeal Brown resulted in yet another basket from No. 3 Abby Rose, extending the Rebels’ lead. Although Spring Creek’s No. 15 came up with a big steal in an effort to spark her team, the Gators could not convert.
North Duplin continued to apply pressure. No. 11 Lilly Fulghum knocked down a big three-pointer, and another steal and score by No. 3 Abby Rose kept the Rebels firmly in control. No. 12 Reagan Herring added to the Rebels’ lead before Spring Creek finally got on the board with a basket by No. 20 Briseda Lopez. North Duplin responded immediately with a basket from No. 10 Maggie Brown, while No. 20 Briseda Lopez answered again for the Gators. The Rebels closed the first quarter comfortably ahead.
Lady Gators Show Life in the Second Quarter
Spring Creek opened the second quarter with a basket by No. 3 Natalie Jackson followed by a rebound and score from No. 34 Alaina Pratt showing signs of a potential comeback. Another steal led to a basket by No. 3 Natalie Jackson giving the Gators six unanswered points as North Duplin briefly struggled to respond.
The Rebels steadied themselves at the free-throw line, with No. 3 Abby Rose converting one attempt and No. 11 Lilly Fulghum knocking down one of two. Although No. 11 Lilly Fulghum couldn’t capitalize on her next trip to the line, North Duplin continued to control the game defensively.
Spring Creek added a layup by No. 22 Nicole Jackson but the Rebels responded with a smooth jump shot from No. 10 Maggie Brown. A late steal by No. 11 Lilly Fulghum helped North Duplin maintain momentum heading into halftime.
Halftime Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 34, Spring Creek Lady Gators 12
Halftime Recap: Rebels in Full Control
At the break, North Duplin held a commanding 22-point lead, dominating the paint with consistent layups and strong rebounding. Leading the way were No. 11 Lilly Fulghum and No. 3 Abby Rose with 10 points each, while No. 10 Maggie Brown added eight points. Impressively, most of the Rebels’ scoring came from inside the paint.
Spring Creek, though trailing, showed signs of life in the second quarter. No. 3 Natalie Jackson and No. 20 Briseda Lopez led the Gators with four points apiece, as the team looked to build on its improved play.
North Duplin aimed to carry its fast start into the second half, while Spring Creek hoped its second-quarter surge could ignite a comeback.
Third Quarter: Rebels Pull Further Ahead
North Duplin opened the third quarter with a basket by No. 10 Maggie Brown but Spring Creek answered with a score from No. 3 Natalie Jackson. The Rebels quickly responded with a basket by No. 3 Abby Rose, followed by another score after a rebound by No. 10 Maggie Brown.
The Gators connected on a big jump shot from No. 20 Briseda Lopez but North Duplin continued to execute offensively. No. 10 Maggie Brown went to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots, then followed up with another basket to extend the lead.
The quarter ended with a highlight as No. 12 Reagan Herring drained a buzzer-beating jump shot, sending the Rebels into the final period with all the momentum.
Fourth Quarter: Rebels Finish Strong
North Duplin wasted no time in the fourth quarter, as No. 12 Reagan Herring opened with a jump shot that found the bottom of the net. She followed it up with a smooth reverse layup, putting an exclamation point on the Rebels’ dominant performance.
Final Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 53, Spring Creek Lady Gators 17
