The game was over almost after it started Friday night. Traveling to Columbia High School, Central High School girls' basketball throttled the Lady Lions all four quarters for an 85-19 victory. The win also moved the Lady Raiders up to 10-0 on the season.
"The big number to me is 2-0. We're 2-0 in that district," Coach Joe Pat Cope said. "I've got 13 girls on that bench who I think any of those 13 will start for some teams in our district."
Bella Vinson opened the game with a quick basket and the girls didn't look back. What followed for CHS was a 22-0 run across most of the first quarter. At the start of the second, the girls had taken a 28-2 lead over the Lady Lions and they were just getting started. By halftime, the Lady Raiders had put up 47 points and limited Columbia to nine.Â
The onslaught continued in the second half. CHS put up an additional 38 points over the remainder of the game. Playing mainly off the bench from midway through the third quarter on, the Lady Raiders defeated Columbia by 66 points.Â
"It was good win. It's getting us pumped up for tomorrow's game which is going to be a really good game,"Jacey Vaughn said. "We have to come off that high and keep the winning streak going."
CHS played a strong defensive game throughout, limiting Columbia's chances through rebounding and blocked shots. The team is hoping the solid play on both sides of the ball seen tonight will help with a marquee matchup against Cookeville looming Saturday night.Â
"Our girls are ready. This is going to be a March Madness type atmosphere," Cope said." It's two of the top 15-20 teams in the state in AAA basketball and this is what it's all about."
Vaughn led the Lady Raiders with 16 points on the night, followed by Abby Morgan with 13. Kiya Ferrel followed with 12 points. Bella Vinson finished the game with 10. Morgan Jones knocked in six points, with Chloe Spry and Ashley Starks right behind at five. Ellie Graham and Emma Fulks each finished with four points. Jenna Garrettson and Kasen Holt both notched three through the game. Keelie Hillis and Marley Perry had two points each.Â
On Thursday, Mar. 21, the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles made history by winning their first WNIT game with a 69-64 victory over the UIC Flames and they will look to make the Super 16 when they play host to Wisconsin on Monday night.
On Saturday, the Coffee County Red Raiders took part in the Joe Adams Memorial Tournament at Walker Valley High School, losing to Cleveland 14-4 and beating Walker Valley 6-4.
On Thursday night, the Coffee Middle Lady Raiders overcame a first inning deficit to win 10-6 at Warren County, the Red Raiders swept the Pioneers in a doubleheader, and the Westwood Rockets lost in a 7-6 nail-biter to Liberty.