Blue Ridge, Georgia- The Lady Panthers (1-2) traveled to Fannin County to face the Lady Rebels (5-2) on Saturday. The Lady Panthers had 2 games scheduled during the week but were both canceled due to COVID issues on the visiting teams.
First Half
The Lady Panthers got off to a slow start to begin the game, having a tough time stopping Junior Becca Ledford. The Lady Panthers also had a hard time getting any rhythm on offense as they turned the ball over multiple times and had a tough time breaking the half court press. A quick 13-4 start by the Lady Rebels forced the Lady Panthers to call a timeout and switch things up. Courtney Davis, who is a rising freshman for the Lady Rebels was making huge shots throughout the game, forcing the Lady Panthers to stop both Ledford and Davis, which is a hard task to do. The odds just weren’t in favor of the Lady Panthers as the easy shots that the usually go in, weren’t as the struggles on offense continued. It was all Lady Rebels to end the first quarter, up 20-8. To begin the second half, the Lady Panthers tried to get Junior Ava Hunter going on offense but it was tough as she was triple teamed in the paint. The Lady Panthers scored 8 straight to cut the lead to 4. The Panthers later tied the game as the defense really stepped up. Both teams were struggling to make shots but both teams were playing great defense, forcing up bad shots by both teams. To end the half, the Lady Rebels led 23-22.
Second Half
To begin the second half, the Lady panthers forced 3 quick turnovers and took a 2 point lead. After the Lady Panthers took the lead, the Lady Rebels went back to the half court press, which is what the Lady Panthers were struggling to break. The Lady Panthers turned the ball over 2 straight times after the Lady Rebels went back to the half court press. The Lady Panthers were turning the ball over time and time again. They were also struggling getting the ball in and getting it past half court due to the press. As the Lady Panthers were turning the ball over, the Lady Rebels were scoring each time. Once a close game, the Lady Rebels quickly extended their lead to 8. To end the 3rd quarter, the Lady Rebels led 42-35. To begin the 4th quarter, the Lady Panthers kept things close but went back to turning the ball over and the Lady Rebels capitalizing each time. The Lady Rebels quickly extended their lead to 11 with 4 minutes left in the game. The Lady Panthers would not be able to come back as they fall 58-47 to the Lady Rebels. Junior Ava Hunter and Junior Rebecca Chambers led the Lady Panthers. Junior Becca Ledford and Freshman Courtney Davis led the Lady Rebels. The Lady Panthers fall to 1-3.