NTL GIRLS BASKETBALL: ATHENS PULLS OUT 27-22 WIN OVER SULLIVAN COUNTY (22 PHOTOS) (2023-12-04)
Valley Sports ReportATHENS - Athens used a second-quarter to take a lead it never relinquished in a hard-fought, 27-22, win over Sullivan County here Monday night in non-league girls basketball action.
"We had some key foul trouble, and missed some easy baskets, but our defense was outstanding, creating lots of turnovers," said Athens coach Brian Miller. "And, we were able to hold on.
"A win is a win," added Miller. "It’s time to learn, grow, get better and be ready for a league game (Tuesday) night … 2-0 is a great start to the season."
Junior Addy Wheeler knocked down a 3-pointer, and scored five points in the first quarter, and Athens escaped the first eight minutes tied at 7-7.
Wheeler added two more 3-pointers, and scored 10 points in the second quarter to fuel a 12-4 run that gave the Wildcats a 19-11 lead at the halftime intermission.
Kendra Merrill canned a 3-pointer in the third quarter, and freshman Brielle Mayo added a bucket to help Athens maintain a 25-19 lead heading into the final eight minutes.
The fourth quarter was a defensive struggle. Athens managed just a field goal by sophomore Abby Burgess, and was 0-for-4 from the free-throw line, but the Wildcat defense held the Griffins to just three points in the stanza to preserve the win.
Wheeler led Athens with 16 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, 12 rebonds, five steals, and two assists, while Burgess added six points, four steals, and two assists, senior Kendra Merrill pulled down six rebounds, and blocked two shots, and senior Izzy Davis chipped in with three steals.
Athens, now 2-0, hosts Cowanesque Valley Tuesday night.
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IN PHOTO: Athens junior Addy Wheeler. … PHOTOS BY BRANDON CLAYPOOL.
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