CHULA — Tiftarea Academy built a 37-14 halftime lead and cruised to a 62-29 win over Citizens Christian Academy on Tuesday in Chula.
The Lady Panthers actually led by 38 points after a Karli Whiddon free throw, but the Lady Patriots outscored Tiftarea 9-4 over the final five minutes of the game.
Head coach John O’Brien’s Lady Panthers put the game out of reach for CCA early, as Tiftarea (2-0) ran out to a 23-7 first quarter lead. The lead came with Shamonica Fowler and Sam Koran sitting on the bench, as each picked up two first quarter fouls.
The Lady Patriots closed to within four points midway through the first quarter, but Tiftarea scored 10 straight points behind two baskets by Heather Kelly, and free throws from Koran, Miesha Wright, Albritton and Rebecca Turner, giving Tiftarea an 18-4 lead.
Citizens Christian had only one field goal in the first quarter, and four total field goals in the first half, as Tiftarea played aggressive man-to-man defense.
The Lady Patriots opted to have the mercy rule in effect for the final period.
Albritton led Tiftarea with 18 points, and Kelly added eight points. Fowler, Koran and Turner each added six for the Lady Panthers.
In Friday’s game against Georgia Christian, the Lady Panthers got a 58-18 win in Dasher behind 16 points by Albritton. Koran and Blair Savelli, who did not play in Tuesday’s game because she was out of town, added 10.
In boys’ action, Tiftarea came back to defeat the Patriots 64-58, after trailing the entire game. No other details were known at presstime.
ThePanthers (1-1) were defeated 71-61 by Georgia Christian on Friday night.
Local Sports
Lady Panthers crush CCA
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Lady Devils play Region 1-AAAAA opener tonight
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The entire region tournament will be played at the Tift County High Arena. -
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TCHS team is like a family
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Tift County to host state wrestling sectionals
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Mistakes cost Patriots fourth title
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Blue Devils win regular season region title
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Seniors go out with big wins
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