by Malcolm Butler
Welcome back, Alivia Lee.
The Cedar Creek junior scored a game-high 17 points to lead Cedar Creek to a 46-36 win over Quitman Tuesday night on the Lady Wolverines home court.
Lee, who has been slowed this year by some off-the-court health challenges, scored 11 of her 17 points after halftime as the Lady Cougars pulled away for their ninth win in their last 10 games.
“I was proud of her,” said Cedar Creek head coach Katie Hall. “She is getting her groove back. Each game she is remembering how she can attack the basket and score and be that offensive threat for us. We need that from her, and we are going to continue to encourage her to do just that.”
Lee scored from the inside. Lee scored from the outside. Lee scored at the free throw line.
It’s a pivotal role that she played last year during Cedar Creek’s run to the Select School Division IV state title game.
“Alivia is very versatile,” said Hall. “I put her in different roles. And she just rolls with it every time. I know that I can ask her to do anything, and she will give it her all until her all needs a little break. She is a good leader and a good teammate. I was glad to see her have success tonight.”
With Creek holding a slim 18-17 lead at the half, Lee netted five points during the third quarter, including her second three-pointer of the game, and triggered a 9-0 Lady Cougars run after Quitman had taken a 23-20 lead in the frame.
Her corner three-pointer with 4:15 to play in the third tied the game at 23-23, igniting what turned out to be a momentum-swinging run.
Lee struck again in the fourth quarter.
After Quitman hit a three-pointer to make it 29-26 with 7:40 to play in the game, Lee pulled down an offensive rebound and scored. Two possessions later, she scored in transition to push the Creek lead to 33-26.
Lee’s layup with 1:30 to play gave Creek a double digit lead, sealing the win.
“Anytime we play Quitman, it’s going to be a tough game,” said Hall. “I have a lot of respect for them and their program. We knew going in we had a tall task tonight. I knew it would be a tough environment and a tough crowd for us. I was happy to get the win.”
In addition to Lee’s night, Avery Ryan added 13 points, Mary Grace Hawkins scored seven and Caroline James added six.
Anna Claire Leach led Quitman with 15 points.
