James Kenan’s No. 32 Aleyah Wilson attacks the basket through Cougar defenders for a tough contested layup.
The James Kenan Lady Tigers faced off against the Goldsboro Lady Cougars in a hard-fought matchup that showcased intensity, momentum swings, and standout individual performances. Despite a strong second-half push from the Lady Tigers, the Lady Cougars maintained control to secure a 60–49 victory.
First Quarter: Cougars Set the Tone Early
The Lady Cougars struck first, capitalizing at the free-throw line as they knocked down both shots. Goldsboro continued to apply pressure, with No. 42 Aziyah Boyer converting a jump shot and then scoring again on the Cougars’ next possession.
James Kenan answered with a huge three-pointer from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw that quieted the Cougars’ crowd. The Lady Tigers briefly grabbed the lead after a strong basket by No. 32 Aleyah Wilson but Goldsboro quickly responded with a layup. A steal and an “and-one” finish by Cougars’ No. 5 Nieirah Smith widened the gap.
Both teams exchanged trips to the free-throw line, with James Kenan’s No. 1 Y’anna Rivers going 1-for-1 twice. As the quarter ended, the Lady Cougars held a slim advantage. End of 1st Quarter Goldsboro leads
Second Quarter: Goldsboro Builds Momentum
Goldsboro opened the second quarter with No. 42 Aziyah Boyer sinking both free throws. Miscommunication on the Tigers’ side led to scoring opportunities for the Cougars, who took advantage inside. Cougars’ No. 5 Nieirah Smith went 1-for-1 at the line, while James Kenan’s No. 2 Kendonya Morrisey drained a big two-pointer to keep the Tigers within reach.
James Kenan forced a steal, but a foul sent No. 1 Y’anna Rivers to the line, where she converted one free throw. Goldsboro followed with another steal and a basket. The Tigers responded with a score by No. 1 Y’anna Rivers, attempting to spark a comeback, but the Cougars answered right back.
With the score at 24–15, No. 1 Y’anna Rivers added a hook shot for James Kenan, but Goldsboro continued to score in the paint. With five seconds left before halftime, No. 1 Y’anna Rivers hit a clutch jump shot to close the quarter.
Halftime Score: Goldsboro Lady Cougars 26, James Kenan Lady Tigers 19
Halftime Recap
James Kenan trailed by seven at the break and showed flashes of a potential comeback but struggled with foul trouble. The Lady Tigers were led offensively by No. 1 Y’anna Rivers, who tallied 10 points and carried the scoring load.
Goldsboro, meanwhile, dominated the paint and controlled the boards. Their rebounding advantage and consistent inside scoring proved to be the difference in the first half.
Third Quarter: Cougars Pull Away
Goldsboro opened the second half with a quick basket. James Kenan responded with a strong, contested layup by No. 32 Aleyah Wilson. The Cougars answered again, this time with a jump shot from No. 00 Imari Buckom.
After a foul sent No. 32 Aleyah Wilson to the line for James Kenan, she converted one free throw. Goldsboro then took control, scoring repeatedly as No. 42 Aziyah Boyer continued her dominant performance. A steal and another basket by No. 42 Aziyah Boyer forced a Tigers timeout.
Out of the timeout, James Kenan found life. No. 3 Gabii Outlaw scored a basket and followed it up with a big three-pointer. However, Goldsboro responded once again as No. 42 Aziyah Boyer completed an “and-one” play. End of 3rd Quarter Goldsboro leads 49–27
Fourth Quarter: Tigers Show Fight, But Time Runs Out
Goldsboro started the final quarter with free throws after a Tigers foul. James Kenan answered with a layup by No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, followed by a steal and another basket from the same player. Momentum continued to build as No. 3 Gabii Outlaw drained a deep three-pointer, forcing a Cougars timeout.
With the score at 51–34, the Lady Tigers showed resilience, going basket for basket with the Cougars. A turnover by Goldsboro gave James Kenan another chance, but missed opportunities at the free-throw line hurt their comeback effort.
Goldsboro’s No. 12 Dezerae Thompson finished a strong drive through contact, while the Cougars added another steal and basket. James Kenan continued to fight back with a big three from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw and late layups by No. 1 Y’anna Rivers and No. 2 Kendonya Morrisey, but the clock worked against them.
Final Score: Goldsboro Lady Cougars 60, James Kenan Lady Tigers 49
