MINT HILL, NC – The Independence Patriots girls basketball team defeated the Knights in the first round of the state playoff championships in a spirited and well played contest on their home court. The Lady Patriots improved their overall record to 24-3 on the season.
This was a game between two evenly matched teams and Indy was able to control the tempo in the second half and especially down the stretch to obtain the hard fought victory.
In the opening period the Lady Knights took a 16-13 lead. Molly Burns buried two 3-pointers along with Sarah Evans while Lauren Brady hit two jumpers to keep the home team on their heels. However, Kamryn Kitchen swished a 3-pointer, along with Jessica Worthey and Hannah Moss made a nice contribution finishing off drives to the hoop for baskets keeping the Lady Patriots close.
In the second period, Jessica Worthey scored 10 of 14 points for Indy and dominated the hardcourt for eight minutes. While Burns and Evans connected on three more 3-point shots keeping the Lady Knights even as the first half ended all even at 27 points apiece.
After the intermission, in the third period Indy carved out an edge leading 41-38 on a Worthey 3-pointer which was the difference maker when the buzzer sounded. The Knights Evans connected on another 3-pointer, and the teams jockeyed under the boards for a mental and physical advantage going into the final period of the contest.
In the fourth period, the teams exchanged leads midway through the period. But this game was eventually won at the free throw line by Indy who tallied on 7-9 foul shots in the back stretch which produced the 4 point spread as the teams continued to exchange baskets. But it was the two 3-point shots the Lady Knights landed that kept them within striking distance. Kamora Brown hit two foul shots, and Kitchen drilled 3-4 which solidified the victory for Independence.
Worthey led all scorers with 20 points, Kitchen 15, Hannah Moss 9, Jai’lun Brimmer 6, Chloe Moss 2, Brown 2 points for Indy. While Evans scored 16, Burns 14, Karly Glahn 9, Brady 6, Autumn Washington 5 for Ardrey Kell.
