MINT HILL, NC – The Independence Lady Patriots increased their season record to 17-5 overall, and 8-4 in the highly competitive 4A Conference 59 among the four top teams. There was not much doubt in the final outcome after the first half of basketball. The Patriots are more athletic, they have a stronger shooting and defensive team. However, the Bulldogs have a lot of fights in them, and never gave an inch, the Patriots had to earn this win taking advantage of their athleticism.
The Patriots dominated every aspect of the game and were able to rest some key players while keeping important subs sharp off the bench who all made a solid contribution in the huge conference rivalry played annually.
In the first period, both Kaylee Carson and Kamryn Kitchen one of the best guard combinations in the conference combined for 14 points of 26 scored. Meanwhile, Chloe Moss contributed 5 points to lead the charge giving the visitors a 26-15 advantage after 8 minutes into the contest.
During the second period, Indy took complete control of this basketball game. They outscored the Lady Bulldogs 27-8. The backcourt duo of the Patriots combined again to match their first period outpoint of 14 points. Meanwhile, Tamia Burgess contributed 7 points, Moss drilled a 3-pointer, and Lola Cabaniss-Ali added 5, Lily Gorum 4 points in the period. By the intermission Indy had a 30 point commanding lead 53-23.
In the second half, the Lady Patriots remained relentless pounding the Dawgs 24-9 with an outburst on two consecutive 3-pointers from Moss, 10 points from the guards, and Burgess added another 4 while other players chipped in for additional buckets during the third period. However, one basketball play in particular stands out. A steal by Kitchen midway through the period, on the ensuing fast break with the two Indy guards, in a two on one situation, Kitchen driving hard to the hoop, sends a perfect behind the back pass to the trailing Carson for the layup to electrify the Indy fans. This type of play is all instinct, unselfish, and two players knowing and understanding where the other will be to make positive things happen on the basketball court. Going forward the future looks bright in the Indy backcourt for the next two or three seasons.
Carson led all scorers with 24 points, Kitchen 16, Moss 15, and Cabaniss-Ali contributed 11 for the Lady Patriots. Indy who is the #3 seed will open up in the conference tournament against #6 Rocky River this coming week on their home court.
