By Malcolm Butler
Caroline James and Zoey Venters each scored 16 points to lead Cedar Creek to a 68-60 win over Calvin Monday night at the Brickhouse.
Despite playing their fourth game in the last five days and without leading scorer Mallory Smith (injury), the Lady Cougars scored at least 16 points in each of the four quarters and evened their record at 6-6.
“I just love how hard these girls are playing right now, and I absolutely love coaching them,” said Creek head coach Katie Hall.
The Lady Cougars and Calvin (7-8) played toe-to-toe in the first quarter, matching each other point for point in a 17-17 first eight minutes of action.
Venters connected on four field goals for eight points in the first quarter while Leah Sutherland was 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
The second quarter saw the Lady Cougars take a 35-29 halftime lead, outscoring Calvin 18-12 in the frame. James connected on a three-pointer as part of her five points in the quarter while Mary Grace Hawkins added four points, including a three-pointer.
The two teams continued to keep it tight in the third quarter, scoring 16 points each as the Lady Cougars led 51-45 through three. Ainsley Riley scored five points in the frame while Olivia Underwood added four points, including a three-pointer.
“To be able to play as hard as they did tonight after playing three days in a row this weekend shows me how much they want to compete,” said Hall. “And as a coach, I love to see that in a team. We still struggle with taking care of the ball, but I was proud of how we rebounded and figured out a way to win.”
James paced the Lady Cougars in the fourth quarter with seven points, including a three-pointer, and freshman Alivia Lee added five of her 10 points.
Cat Womack scored 23 points and Lilly Barnes added 21 for Calvin.
