BAYBORO — Hurricanes are known for their ability to wreak havoc upon anything in their path, a fact that Chatham Central was quick to discover March 5.
The Lady Bears fells 71-28 to the Pamlico County Lady Hurricanes in the Regional semifinals of the NCHSAA 2019 Women’s 1A East basketball state playoffs.
With Janiya Jones firing in nine of her game-high 26 points in the opening stanza, the Lady Hurricanes stormed to a 24-7 lead after one period and outscored Chatham Central every quarter in route.
“We didn’t shoot the ball well at all and didn’t get back on defense, while Pamlico County had a great fast break and transition game,” said Lady Bears’ coach Lynda Burke.
“In addition, we had way too many turnovers while letting them control the boards.
Improving to 27-2 for the season with its 17th consecutive victory, top-seed Pamlico County advances to Saturday evening’s Regional Finals at Capel Arena in Fayetteville, where the Lady Hurricanes will meet second-seed East Carteret (22-3) with the winner moving on to play for the 1A state title the following Saturday against the West champion at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill.
Held to their lowest point total since a 62-27 loss to Union Pines on December 30, 2015, while suffering their worst defeat since a 57-16 setback to South Davidson back on February 8, 2013, the Lady Bears saw their 12-game win streak come to an abrupt halt as they closed out the year with an overall ledger of 22-4.
Jakiya Jones tallied 14 points and Mirachell Maher chipped in 12 for the victors, who connected on 44 percent (31-of-71) of their field goal attempts and commanded a huge 45-23 rebounding advantage while collecting a dozen steals.
Abby Elkins topped Chatham Central with 10 points, Maddy Elkins contributed nine and Mary Grace Murchison added eight as the Lady Bears shot just 22 percent (nine-of-41) from the floor while committing two dozen turnovers.
Entering the second quarter with a 17-point lead, Pamlico County expanded its advantage to 40-9 midway through the frame and 43-15 at intermission. But the Lady Hurricanes’ intensity picked up again in the third stanza as the Jones pair, along with Maher, combined for 17 of their team’s 21 points in the period as Pamlico County stretched its lead to 64-22 heading into the final eight minutes and coasted to the lopsided win.
“In spite of tonight’s outcome, I’m really proud of our girls for having a lot of success this season,” Burke said. “And with all but three players coming back, I’m looking forward to another great run next year.”