Lady 'Toppers Park Mustangs in DoubleTree Roundball Classic
by TREY WILLIAMS
TriCitiesSports.com
December 7, 2018
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Sophomore Jeila Greenlee nearly outscored Myers Park (N.C.) in the first half and her Science Hill Hilltoppers rolled to a 72-45 victory Friday on the opening day of the DoubleTree Roundball Classic at the ‘Topper Palace.
Greenlee scored 13 of her game-high 19 points while helping Science Hill (7-2) build a 35-14 halftime lead. She made all three of her 3-pointers in the initial 11:54 – the last of which came from the left corner after a drive and kick-out from Symantha Fugate and gave the ‘Toppers a 31-9 lead.
During a second-quarter sequence, Greenlee blocked a shot in transition on one end of the court and then made a hustling save on the other end that led to a Fugate lay-in.
Fugate displayed a variety of skills en route to 12 points. Her one-dribble whirl from the right block led to a three-point play. She also scored on a baseline runner and put-back.
Greenlee’s 8-foot runner in the lane completed a game-opening 33-9 run midway through the third quarter.
“If we could put together four quarters like we played that first quarter and a half, it’d really be something,” Science Hill coach Scottie Whaley said. “We played really good in spurts. At times we didn’t play so well.
“We’ve gotta clean up missing those chippies. We’ve gotta do a better job playing defense. But overall, not too bad. Myers Park has a great program. They’re young. Coach (Barbara) Nelson has got nine state titles in North Carolina.”
Indeed, Nelson won seven titles at Providence Day and two at Myers Park. There won’t be a 10th this season, she’s quick to add.
“We have four freshmen, six sophomores,” Nelson said. “We had four kids that returned from last year’s team, which had seven seniors. We have two seniors and two juniors. We’re just young but I hope they don’t lose heart, because there is some really good talent there. …
“I think we missed nine layups in the first half. Either they got blocked – we obviously thought half of ‘em we got fouled on. If you get half of those, that’s 10 points. Instead of being down 21 you’re down 11. It feels like a different ballgame to a young team.”
Nelson was impressed with Science Hill, which got two 3-pointers apiece from Erin Egerbrecht (10 points) and Maddy Richmond (seven points) and eight points from Alasia Smith.
“They play well together,” Nelson said. “They share the basketball. They play very hard. They play very fundamental.
“When every kid does their job on a team like that with the skill level that they have, you’re gonna have success. They’re a good team and he (Whaley) does a great job.”
The Lady ‘Toppers enjoyed playing in the old gym. So did Whaley.
“It was a fun night to be in here,” Whaley said. “We love playing in here. Everybody’s closer to you. It’s home. It’s just like your ole blanket at home. It’s comfortable. And it was a good crowd.”
Science Hill will play Charlotte (Fla.) Saturday night. Charlotte is 6-1 and should be a good test for a Lady ‘Toppers team with intriguing upside.
“We’ve got some kids that can do some things,” Whaley said. “We’ve got some skilled kids. Our shooting’s come around. We’ve shot the ball better the last couple of games.
“I really think this team has a high ceiling. We just want to improve every game.”
Myers Park was led by Taylor Henderson’s 14 points.
MYERS PARK, N.C. (45) -- Stehmier 2 0-1 4, Henderson 4 5-6 14, Holcomb 0 0-0 0, Nelson 3 1-4 7, Griffin 0 0-0 0, Wollen 1 0-0 2, Clamp 3 0-0 8, Muhammed 1 0-0 2, Shire 0 0-0 0, A. Stuart 1 0-0 2, Janey 1 0-0 2, Harrell 2 0-0 4. Totals 18 6-11 45.
SCIENCE HILL (72) -- Fugate 4 4-5 12, Greenlee 7 2-2 19, Shay 0 0-0 0, Richmond 2 1-4 7, Hill 1 1-2 3, Cullop 3 0-0 6, Williams 0 0-0 0, Livingston 1 0-0 3, Smith 2 4-8 8, Marion 2 0-4 4, Egerbrecht 4 0-0 10. Totals 26 12-23 72.
Myers Park, NC | 9 | 5 | 17 | 14 | -- 45 |
Science Hill | 20 | 15 | 14 | 23 | -- 72 |
3-point goals—Myers Park 3 (Clamp 2, Henderson 1); Science Hill 8 (Greenlee 3, Egerbrecht 2, Richmond 2, Livingston 1).