The Georgia 2A state runner-up Lady Rebel basketball team traveled to Murphy, North Carolina, Saturday, December 4, to take on the North Carolina 1A state champion Lady Bulldogs.
Explosive offensives gave the fans exciting basketball to watch, but it was ultimately Murphy that came away winning 58-48.
Becca Ledford led Fannin with eight points in the first, scoring two, two-point baskets and a long range three ball.
Reigan O’Neal and Ava Queen muscled in a two-point basket each, while Courtney Davis converted two free throws. Ellie Cook capped the scoring for the Lady Rebels with a free throw to give Fannin 14 points in the first quarter. Murphy netted 17 points in the first to hold a slim 17-14 lead over Fannin.
Murphy exploded from beyond the arc in the second quarter, as their barrage of three point baskets allowed them to net 20 points in the quarter.
Ledford led the Lady Rebels with three points on a nice two-point basket and two free throws, while O’Neal and Cook converted two free throws each. Fannin scored seven points in the second as they trailed the Lady Bulldogs 37-21 at halftime.
The Lady Rebels started to rally in the third quarter as Ledford scored six points on three, two-point baskets.Cook and Reagan York combined for 10 points, as York worked the paint for two, two-point baskets and a free throw, and Cook rattled in a three point basket from deep, followed by two free throws.
O’Neal converted a free throw as well to cap the Lady Rebel scoring. Fannin played solid defense, only giving up nine points in the third as they shaved the Murphy lead 46-38 heading into the fourth quarter.
Murphy was able to score 12 points in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Rebels matched them with offensive intensity. Jenna Young, Queen and O’Neal knocked in a three ball each for nine points, while Cook converted a free throw to give Fannin 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Murphy was able to cling to their lead and win a hard fought game 58-48.
FCHS 14 07 17 10 - 48
MHS 17 20 09 12 - 58
Lady Rebel summary:
Points: Ledford 16, Cook 9, O’Neal 8, Queen 5, York 5, Young 3, Davis 2
Free throws: Davis 2-2, York 2-2, Cook 6-8, Ledford 1-3.