GOLDSBORO — The James Kenan Lady Tigers delivered a commanding performance against the Wallace-Rose Hill Lady Bulldogs in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament, pulling away in the second half to secure a 61–40 victory. What began as a tightly contested battle turned into a statement win for the Lady Tigers, fueled by defensive intensity, clutch shooting, and balanced scoring.
A High-Energy First Quarter Ignites the Matchup
The Lady Bulldogs opened the game with an early layup, quickly building a four-point lead. The Lady Tigers got on the board with a free throw by No. 3 Gabii Outlaw before igniting momentum with a steal and layup by No. 5 Zaniya Brown.
Wallace-Rose Hill answered with another layup, but James Kenan’s defense proved disruptive. A steal by No. 1 Y’anna Rivers led to a big three-pointer that evened the score. Moments later, another steal set up No. 5 Zaniya Brown for a layup, giving the Lady Tigers an edge.
Both teams traded baskets in a back-and-forth stretch. No. 32 Aleyah Wilson converted two free throws for the Lady Tigers, and No. 3 Gabii Outlaw followed with two more from the line to take the lead. The Lady Bulldogs briefly regained control with a layup, but No. 11 Kendria Smith drained a crucial three-pointer to close the quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Tigers held a narrow 16–13 advantage.
Second Quarter: Tigers Extend the Lead
The Lady Bulldogs struck first in the second quarter with a layup, but No. 32 Aleyah Wilson responded with a strong putback basket for James Kenan. Wallace-Rose Hill answered again with a layup during a brief run, keeping the game close.
The Lady Tigers maintained composure, as No. 13 LaBria McGowan added a basket and No. 11 Kendria Smith connected on another three-pointer to widen the gap. At halftime, James Kenan led 25–19.
Third Quarter: Defense Sparks a Surge
Wallace-Rose Hill opened the second half at the free-throw line, knocking down both shots to cut into the deficit. James Kenan quickly responded with a layup by No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, followed by two made free throws from No. 1 Y’anna Rivers.
The Lady Bulldogs struggled to convert offensively, and the Lady Tigers capitalized. No. 1 Y’anna Rivers drilled a three-pointer that forced a Wallace-Rose Hill timeout. Although the Lady Bulldogs came out of the break with a layup and briefly sparked a run, No. 3 Gabii Outlaw answered with a tough, contested basket to maintain control.
As the quarter wound down, both teams experienced a scoring drought. No. 1 Y’anna Rivers added a free throw, and No. 13 LaBria McGowan came up with a big steal that led to a layup, giving the Lady Tigers additional breathing room heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Lady Tigers Take Control
James Kenan seized control early in the fourth quarter. No. 32 Aleyah Wilson opened the scoring with a layup, and No. 13 LaBria McGowan added a free throw after drawing a foul. Following a missed shot, No. 1 Y’anna Rivers grabbed the rebound and scored, extending the lead further.
The Lady Tigers continued to dominate, with No. 3 Gabii Outlaw adding another basket. Although the Lady Bulldogs managed to convert a pair of free throws and chip away with a few fast-break baskets and a jump shot, they were unable to overcome the growing deficit.
James Kenan remained composed down the stretch. No. 1 Y’anna Rivers converted a tough basket plus the foul, and No. 5 Zaniya Brown added a layup in transition. No. 11 Kendria Smith sealed the game at the free-throw line, knocking down two crucial shots to put the contest out of reach.
Final Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 61, Wallace-Rose Hill Lady Bulldogs 40
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