Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GHS Girls Fall To Lewisville In Finals

Sometimes, time off isn't a good thing.

This was the case in the girls finals of the 7A Central District Tournament Saturday at Nevada High School.

The Lady Devils were out of sync the entire game, and fell to Lewisville's Lady Red Devils 52-44.

Gurdon had two problems throughout the game, missing shots inside and committing fouls. The Lady Devils were called for four falls in the first two and a half minutes of the game.

Regardless, the Lady Devils had opportunities to clinch the title, but seemed to be stiff from the field. Time after time, they were able to crash the boards but couldn't convert layups. Unfortunately, they were also cold from outside the paint and beyond the arc.

Both squads set a good pace for the game, even though neither shot well. At the end of one, the Lewisville team held a slim 13-11 lead.

Officials made their presence known by calling a total of 11 fouls (six on Gurdon and five on Lewisville) in the first frame.

One of Gurdon's biggest problems was they had to play with Alicia Clayborn on the bench because of early foul problems.

Lewisville was able to increase its lead by the end of the second quarter to 26-18.

The Lady Red Devils showed little movement offensively, with the exception of the ball handler, who had to work for an open shot.

And, fouls played a big part in the game. Gurdon had been whistled for 10 by the 4:19 mark in the second period, thereby giving Lewisville two shots from the line for the rest of the half.

For the game, Lewisville converted 20 of 36 free throws, while Gurdon was 10 of 25.

Things didn't go any better for the Lady Devils at the start of the third, as they were tied up on the inbounds pass and turned the ball over to Lewisville.

Officials stepped in early in the third to warn both teams to clean up their acts because of the sloppy, yet physical, play.

Midway into the period, Lewisville held a 15-point lead at 37-22, before the Lady Devils rallied to narrow the margin to 42-34 by the end of the frame.

Throughout the game, the Lady Devils were able to do anything they wanted, with the exception of putting the ball in the hole consistently.

As the game wound down, Gurdon battled back into contention. With 5:50 left, the Lady Devils had cut the lead to 42-36, but most of the starting five were in serious foul trouble.

At the 4:20 mark, the lead was only four, 43-39, but the Lady Devils just couldn't buy a break to get any close.

Tameka Hatley bowed out with 3:40 to go in the contest, and was followed by Clayborn's exit with 3:23 remaining. April Simpson sat down with 1:17 left, while Lori Kelly was ousted with :28 to go.

Wanda Cornish led the Lady Devils with 10 as the only player on the team in double figures.

Sherie Davis had a game high 24 for Lewisville, while teammate Natasha Jones added 10.

Still, the Lady Devils will make the trip to the regional tourney in Dierks. In fact, they open the competition today at 4 p.m. as they take on the Lady Outlaws of Dierks.

This game will be followed by Nevada's senior girls battling Caddo Hills at 7 o'clock.

Thursday, play opens with Horatio meeting Stephens at 4 p.m., while Lewisville and Glenwood introduce themselves at 7.

Wednesday's winners will meet at center court Friday at 4 p.m., while the 7 o'clock game will feature the victors of Thursday's contests.

The tourney finals will be held Saturday at 7 p.m.

Only the top two teams from the regional tilt will be invited to the Class A State Tournament. This year, the state wars will be held at White County Central High School in Judsonia.