The North Duplin girls’ basketball team endured a season-ending, 67-56 loss to Falls Lake Academy in the NC High School Athletic Association Class 1A eastern semifinals Tuesday evening. The Rebels concluded the year 24-2 that included their second consecutive Carolina 1A regular-season and tournament crowns. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CREEDMOOR — Another historical run ends.
Falls Lake Academy erupted for 26 third-quarter points and pulled away for a 67-56 triumph over North Duplin during their eastern semifinal-round game in the NC High School Athletic Association 1A girls’ basketball playoffs Tuesday evening.
The Rebels (24-2 overall) reached the semifinals for the first time in more than three decades.
Top-seeded in the east, the unbeaten Firebirds turned a 30-18 halftime advantage into a 56-28 cushion after three quarters. North Duplin scored a playoff-high 28 points in the final period.
Sophomore guard Addy Higginbotham emerged as Rebels’ top scorer with 26 points, including a season-best 16 of 17 effort at the free throw line. She also dished out five assists and picked the Firebirds for three steals.
The Firebird defense held Reece Outlaw to a playoff-low 10 points. She collected four steals and doled out two assists.
A sophomore forward, Tateyawna Faison provided six points and 11 rebounds before she fouled out. Lily Brothus supplied eight points, while Adaisha Bernal buried two 3-pointers.
Meghan Martin logged two steals and five rebounds.
Falls Lake Academy (31-0) faces third-seeded Chatham Charter (25-5) in the east final. Perennial powerhouse Bishop McGuinness (26-4) and Robbinsville (21-8) square off for the western crown.
