By Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek came off its Christmas break in a festive mood as the Lady Cougars recorded one of its most productive offensive performances of the season in a 71-56 win over Family Christian Community School Friday night at the Brickhouse.
Leah Sutherland scored 19 points and Olivia Underwood added 18 points as the Lady Cougars ignited for a 24-point opening quarter and coasted to the double digit win.
“If you would have told me we would have shot the ball as we did and scored 71 points coming back off of break, I would have told you that you were kidding me,” said Creek head coach Katie Hall. “We did some things offensively that I was very proud of. We moved the ball around well, made some good reads and finished strong under the basket.”
Mallory Smith added 12 points and Caroline James netted 10 as four Lady Cougars scored in double figures in the victory.
Underwood (9), Sutherland (8) and Smith (7) combined for all 24 points in the opening quarter as the Lady Cougars built a 24-11 advantage. James then scored seven points to lead Creek in the second quarter while Mary Grace Hawkins added four as the Lady Cougars took a 41-25 lead into the locker room.
“Leah Sutherland continues to rebound for us and tonight, but it was Olivia Underwood who set the tone early with communication defensively and diving on the floor for loose balls,” said Hall. “Not to mention hitting outside shots for us.”
Sutherland and Underwood both scored seven points in the third quarter as the Lady Cougars held a 57-44 advantage entering the final eight minutes of play.
The Lady Cougars hit seven three-pointers on the night and converted on 14-of-24 at the free throw line in the win.
Cedar Creek will host Glenbrook tonight with JV boys and girls playing followed by varsity boys and girls. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. for the first game of the night.
