First Quarter: Feeling Out the Game
WARSAW — Both teams opened the contest with early struggles, working to find their rhythm on offense. The Lady Tigers struck first with a jump shot to set the tone. The Lady Bruins quickly answered with a layup of their own, keeping things tight in the opening minutes.
Momentum began to shift when No. 3 Gabii Outlaw for the Lady Tigers came up with a big steal and converted it into points. She followed that effort with another basket, giving James Kenan an early edge. The Lady Bruins responded with a layup to stay within striking distance, but a big three-pointer from No. 5 Zaniya Brown helped the Lady Tigers begin to settle into their offensive flow as the first quarter came to a close.
Second Quarter: Defensive Pressure Fuels a Breakaway
The Lady Tigers wasted no time building momentum in the second quarter. No. 1 Y’anna Rivers opened the period with a strong jump shot and followed it up with a layup, sparking a scoring run.
Defensive intensity became the difference maker. A steal by No. 13 LaBria McGowan led to a layup from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, and the Tigers continued to capitalize on turnovers. No. 11 Kendria Smith added back-to-back layups, stretching the lead further. Another steal and score pushed the game increasingly out of reach for the Lady Bruins.
To cap off an impressive first half, No. 11 Kendria Smith drained a big three-pointer, sending the Lady Tigers into halftime with full confidence.
Halftime Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 30, Beddingfield Lady Bruins 6
Third Quarter: Bruins Show Fight, Tigers Respond
The Lady Tigers opened the second half just as strongly as they ended the first. No. 32 Aleyah Wilson scored on a layup to extend the lead. The Lady Bruins managed to find some offensive rhythm, adding a basket in an effort to spark a comeback.
However, the Tigers remained composed. No. 13 LaBria McGowan answered with a layup, and although the Lady Bruins earned a trip to the free-throw line converting one of two attempts after a foul the Tigers continued to apply pressure. No. 3 Gabii Outlaw drove to the basket for another score, and later converted a tough layup while drawing a foul.
Just before the buzzer, the Lady Bruins knocked down a three-pointer, providing a small boost heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Finishing Strong
With victory in sight, the Lady Tigers refused to ease up. No. 32 Aleyah Wilson opened the fourth quarter with a layup, maintaining the team’s commanding presence. The Lady Bruins answered with a basket, but the Tigers quickly responded as No. 32 Aleyah Wilson scored again in transition.
Another steal led to a basket by No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, highlighting the Tigers’ relentless defensive effort. Though the Lady Bruins continued to compete and added a layup to cut the deficit slightly, the outcome was never in doubt.
No. 5 Zaniya Brown added another layup as the Lady Tigers sealed the win. From the second quarter on, James Kenan held firm control of the game and never looked back.
Final Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 59, Beddingfield Lady Bruins 31
With a balanced offensive attack and relentless defense, the Lady Tigers advance in the 3A State Playoffs, proving they are a force to be reckoned with as postseason play continues.
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