Published: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010 / Updated: Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010 04:36 PM
Davis leads Lady Cougars to win
CLOVER --
Hikeya Davis was out with the flu when the Lady Cougars lost to unbeaten Northwestern last week.
Eager to return to the lineup, the junior standout made her presence felt in a huge way against the rival Lady Blue Eagles.
Davis scored 25 points, mostly off the dribble, in leading the YCHS girls to a 73-54 win that was closer than the final score indicated.
Said YCHS coach Paula Blackwell, who has repeatedly referred to Davis as the heart and soul of the team, “Hikeya missed the Northwestern game and was ready to play. She was attacking on offense tonight.”
Though Davis led all scorers, she said defense was the difference in the game
“We scored points off aggressive defensive play, especially in the fourth quarter,” she said.
Blackwell was elated with the Lady Cougars’ balanced scoring.
“We had four players in double figures,” she noted. “It was a big win for us in the region.”
Senior Erika Shannon agreed with Davis regarding the defensive effort.
“Our defense got us the lead and the win,” she said. “Clover played well and took the lead but we didn’t quit and fought back.”
The Lady Blue Eagles treated the home fans to a fast start, opening the game with a 9-1 run led by eighth-grader Gadson Lefft.
The CHS girls battled their rival tooth-and-nail for three-plus quarters until the Lady Cougars were able to pull away in the latter stages.
Clover coach Sherer Hopkins was pleased with the effort and energy level.
“We want to have the intensity we came out with in the first quarter the entire game,” she said. “Our young players stepped up in their first experience in the rivalry.
“We had players in foul trouble and York had a lot to do with that. The kids are buying into the system. They are working hard and showing improvement.”
Senior floor leader Paige Ferguson said the Lady Blue Eagles got away from what had been good to them in the fourth quarter.
“We played York’s game and not our game in the final quarter,” she said.
Ferguson makes a concerted effort to show leadership on the court, especially with the younger players.
“I want to lead the team and feel good about doing it,” she added.
Sophomore Logan Ballard said the Clover girls played with patience most of the game.
“We got away from playing with patience in the fourth quarter,” she said.
Ballard said she is developing more confidence in her game.
I feel confident shooting the ball when I have an open shot,” she said. “I want to contribute to the offense.”
Bria Huffman scored 11 points for Clover. Ballard was next with 10.
Gina Patton scored 14 points, Brittney Merriweather 11 and Shanon 10 for York.
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