Freedom teams hit running clock vs. Saint on road – Morganton News Herald

HICKORY Led by three players with 14 or more points apiece, the consensus No. 1 Freedom girls basketball team never trailed in a 66-17 road win over last-place St. Stephens on Friday in Northwestern 3A/4A Conference play.

Freedom set a tone early in the halfcourt on offense as well as on the glass, with 10 first-period points in the lane. Junior forward Adair Garrison (15 points) scored six of the teams first eight, and all four starting guards grabbed rebounds in the opening 4 minutes, led by Jayda Glass three.

Garrison capped the period with an offensive rebound and assist to Josie Hise on a backcut, and the Lady Patriots (18-0, 7-0) led 16-8.

The guests then got the fullcourt press rolling and blitzed the Indians to the tune of 27-3 in the second period to go up 43-11 at the half, and by the third quarter, the game hit the mercy-rule running clock.

We were able to turn the pressure up on defense there and got some turnovers, Freedom coach Amber Reddick said. We hadnt been super happy with the press lately, but I thought we did a good job squeezing the middle and with coverages.

Freedoms Danisha Hemphill tied Garrison for team-high honors with 15 points, Blaikley Crooks added 14, Christena Rhone scored eight and Hise finished with seven.

Despite this being Reddicks second team in the last five seasons to have rolled to a lengthy unbeaten streak to start the year the 2015-16 state title version holds the countys lone perfect season in the sport she said the sky wont fall if they lose one, and that the unblemished record isnt the primary focus.

Were talking about things like energy and focus for four quarters, Reddick said. We know well get the best shot from everyone every night. And of course, everyone would like to go undefeated, but we have to keep in mind every game is one step toward our goal and keep finding ways to improve our effort and concentration.

Freedom 103, St. Stephens 64

The Patriots (17-1, 6-1) led 27-5 at the end of the opening period and didnt stop there, posting 24 points or more in each quarter to hit the century mark for the second time this year, both against Saint.

It was 55-22 at halftime, and the contest hit the running clock with about 1:30 to go.

A season-best eight Patriots scored eight or more points, led by seniors Bradley Davis and James Freemans 20 and 18 respectively. Quentin Rice joined them in double figures with 12, Nick Johnson and Ben Tolbert scored nine each and Qualique Garner, Jayden Birchfield and Kason Ledford added eight apiece.

One through 13 tonight, everyone made quality contributions, Freedom coach Clint Zimmerman said. As a group, we defended well at the fullcourt and halfcourt levels. We rebounded it well on both ends and never had a lapse in our energy.

Two plays that really stand out came late in the game, Saiveon Pitman laying out for a loose ball at halfcourt and Kason Ledford taking a charge late when the game was already out of reach. It was really enjoyable tonight watching everyone enjoy the successes of their teammates more than their own.

Freedom hosts Hickory, whose boys and girls both occupy second place in the NWC, on Tuesday.

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Freedom teams hit running clock vs. Saint on road - Morganton News Herald