GOLDSBORO — For the fourth time this season, conference rivals met on the hardwood with everything on the line. The No. 3 seed James Kenan Lady Tigers squared off against the No. 2 seed Goldsboro Lady Cougars in a high-stakes Round 4 matchup, battling for a coveted East Regional spot in the 3A State Final Four Playoffs.
Familiarity between these teams only heightened the intensity, but this meeting carried more weight than the previous three. With a regional berth at stake, both squads came ready to compete.
First Quarter: A Competitive Opening
The Lady Cougars wasted no time setting the tone, opening the game with a layup by No. 42 Aziyah Boyer. The Lady Tigers answered when No. 1 Y’anna Rivers was fouled and converted 1 of 2 free throws.
Goldsboro quickly responded with another layup from No. 42 Aziyah Boyer and added a free throw to build an early lead. James Kenan began to settle in, as No. 13 LaBria McGowan cut into the deficit with a layup. The Cougars countered with yet another basket inside.
The Tigers continued to fight, getting a strong jump shot from No. 1 Y’anna Rivers and a layup from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw. However, each James Kenan basket was answered by Goldsboro, keeping the Cougars in front. The quarter ended with both teams battling hard in a closely contested opening frame.
Second Quarter: Cougars Create Separation
Goldsboro opened the second quarter with a layup from No. 12 Dezerae Thompson, extending their lead. James Kenan’s No. 32 Aleyah Wilson was fouled and went 1 of 2 from the line.
The Cougars capitalized on free throw opportunities, as No. 00 Imari Buckom knocked down both shots after a Tigers foul. On the other end, No. 3 Gabii Outlaw for James Kenan responded by sinking two free throws of her own.
As physical play intensified, both teams traded fouls. Following a timeout, Goldsboro seized momentum with a layup and a three-point play by No. 5 Nieirah Smith. James Kenan briefly halted a scoring drought with a layup from No. 1 Y’anna Rivers but the Cougars continued to control the pace.
A steal by No. 00 Imari Buckom led to another Goldsboro layup, widening the gap. Though the Tigers kept battling at the line with contributions from No. 1 Y’anna Rivers and No. 32 Aleyah Wilson the Cougars maintained steady scoring throughout the quarter. By halftime, Goldsboro had built a commanding lead.
Halftime Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 16, Goldsboro Lady Cougars 33
Third Quarter: Tigers Mount a Comeback
The third quarter began in a defensive stalemate, with neither team finding its rhythm early. At the 6:55 mark, the Tigers struck first with a jump shot by No. 1 Y’anna Rivers.
After a Cougar’s miscommunication, James Kenan capitalized, with No. 32 Aleyah Wilson sinking two free throws to trim the deficit. Strong defensive pressure forced more opportunities, and No. 1 Y’anna Rivers added two more free throws.
Goldsboro eventually broke through with a layup by No. 1 Kennedy Barbour and added a free throw from No. 42 Aziyah Boyer. But the Tigers continued their push, highlighted by a big three-pointer from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw.
After a Cougars timeout, James Kenan kept the momentum rolling with a layup by No. 32 Aleyah Wilson, later followed by another strong finish inside that cut the lead to just eight points.
Goldsboro responded when it mattered most, as No. 1 Kennedy Barbour and No. 42 Aziyah Boyer delivered key baskets to stabilize the lead heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Cougars Close It Out
The Lady Cougars opened the final quarter with authority. A layup by No. 23 Alissa Brown and a fast-break basket from No. 42 Aziyah Boyer quickly shifted the momentum back in their favor.
Goldsboro began to command the tempo, prompting a timeout from James Kenan. Coach South gathered the Lady Tigers to regroup and discuss adjustments for a late-game push.
Out of the timeout, No. 13 LaBria McGowan converted 1 of 2 free throws for the Tigers. However, the Cougars continued their surge, getting key baskets from No. 12 Dezerae Thompson and No. 42 Aziyah Boyer to extend the lead.
James Kenan showed resilience, with No. 13 LaBria McGowan scoring inside and back-to-back three-pointers from No. 15 TaNyia Jordan and No. 21 Janay Peterson energizing the Tigers. Another three-pointer by No. 15 TaNyia Jordan gave the Tigers a final spark, but time ultimately ran out on their comeback attempt.
Final Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 41, Goldsboro Lady Cougars 67
Leave a Reply