Last week was rough on the Lady Leopards. The team went 1-2 against Oglethorpe, North Oconee and Stephens to leave the Banks County team 6-11 overall and with a 1-2 region record.
This week the team hosted rival Jefferson on Tuesday. Scores were unavailable at press time.
Friday night, Banks County travels over to Dawsonville to face cross-region opponent Dawson County. Dawson County is currently 0-1 in region contests and 2-10 overall. Banks County should take the win over the Dawson Lady Tigers which allows an average 47 points per game. The Lady Leopards are scoring 37 points per game and have scored 636 points this season. Dawson County has only amassed 460 total points. Tip-off for Friday’s game is at 7 p.m. with the boys’ game afterward.
Last week Banks County picked up a sub-region win against Oglethorpe before dropping games to North Oconee and to Stephens County.
Tuesday’s game against Oglethorpe started well for the Lady Leopards. In the first period, Banks went up 11-4 over the Lady Patriots. The Lady Leopards faltered in the second period but Oglethorpe was unable to overtake the early lead to end the half 14-8 for Banks County. Oglethorpe drew to within four points in the third period, but the Banks defense prevented the Lady Patriots from taking the advantage and ended the period 22-18. The Lady Leopards secured their victory in the fourth period outscoring Oglethorpe 17-8. Banks took its first region win 39-26. Banks made 11 of 26 free throw attempts contributing to the 10 players who scored.
Leading the ladies was Lauren Kennedy with seven points, just ahead of Erika Evans scoring six. Amy Sims put in five points while Deasha Beasley, Katlyn Parks and Lacey Saxon each picked up four points. Terri Cregar added three followed by Ashley Morris with two and Madison Franklin and Jessica Grisham with one point apiece.
Coming off the road victory, Banks hosted North Oconee last Friday. Early foul trouble and missed attempts to bring the ball to the board put Banks at a disadvantage, but the Lady Leopards still put forth an effort. North Oconee was ahead by 11 at the end of the half 27-16. By the end of the third period, Banks had picked up six points but the Lady Titans had added 12. The Lady Leopards could not overtake the lead and were bumped 56-38.
From the free throw line, Banks went six of 10. Beasley and Lauren Gibbs tied for leading scorer with six points apiece. Franklin, Samm Kennedy, Parks, L. Kennedy and Saxon each scored four points apiece. Sims and Cregar each picked up two points.
In the third game during the past week, Banks County hosted Stephens County. Banks kept the contest close in the fourth period, but eventually fell to the 8-AAA school. The Lady Indians got ahead early with a 20 point lead at the end of the half, 39-19. During the third period, Stephens County applied more pressure to remain ahead 50-24. Banks worked hard in the final eight minutes and chipped away at the lead to draw within 13 points for the final 62-49 score.
Coach Jerry King said that the team showed a lot of potential during the game and it was the most points the Lady Leopards have scored this year against a “very good 8-AAA team.”
“If we can cut down on turnovers, rebound better, and hit the high percentage shots we can compete,” said King.
L. Kennedy led with 17 points including 11 of 11 from the line. Overall, the team went 16 of 22 from the line.
Evans and Saxon each picked up nine points against Stephens County, followed by Beasley with eight. Sims added four points to the effort, while Cregar put up two.
