by Malcolm Butler
Alivia Lee scored a career-high 22 points and Ryan Avery added 15 points to lead Cedar Creek to a 60-37 road win over Plain Dealing in District 1-1A action Friday night.
The Lady Cougars (22-3, 4-0) jumped out to a double digit lead in the first quarter and were never really threatened while staying undefeated in league action. It was also head coach Katie Hall’s teams third victory over the past five days.
“Playing our third game this week after a long week of school on a Friday night, I expected our team to be a little flat,” said Hall. “We came out of the gate missing a lot of 3’s. We got a lot of good looks but our shots weren’t going in.”
Ryan scored nine of her 15 points in the opening frame as Creek led 19-8 through the opening eight minutes of action. Lee led the Lady Cougars in the second quarter, netting five points and helping her team extend its lead to 30-13 at the break.
Cedar Creek utilized a full-court defense, forcing Plain Dealing (12-12, 2-1) into turnover after turnover, and helping the Lady Cougars build their lead.
“Fortunately we were able to capitalize on their turnovers and score some buckets in transition,” said Hall. “I am very grateful to get a district victory on the road. Hopefully we can get some good rest this weekend and get ready to get back to work next week.”
Lee and Mallory Smith combined for 14 points in the third quarter as the Lady Cougars continued to build on their advantage, holding a 49-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Cedar Creek hit five three-pointers, three by Smith, while the Lady Cougars were 6-of-8 at the free throw line with Lee doing most of the damage from the stripe (5-of-6).
The Lady Cougars, winners of 10 straight, will host Haynesville Tuesday before traveling to Lincoln Prep Friday.
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Cedar Creek Scoring: FG(3)-FT=Total Points
Alivia Lee 8(1)-5=22; Mary Grace Hawkins 1(1)-0=3; Britton Bennett 1-0=2; Caroline James 0-1=1; Mallory Smith 4(3)-0=11; Taylor Martinez 1-0=2; Zoey Venters 2-0=4; Avery Ryan 7(1)-0=15. Totals: 24(6)-6-60.
Score by Quarters
Cedar Creek (22-3, 3-0): 19-11-19-11=60
Plain Dealing (12-12, 2-1): 8-5-13-11=37
