Lady Phoenix overcome adversity to get first win in OT

-- The Sonoraville Lady Phoenix had to work hard for it and overcome some adversity late in the game on Tuesday, but they were able to earn their first win of the season.

Sonoraville led 40-28 in the fourth and looked like they were going to cruise to victory at Coahulla Creek, but the Lady Colts made it interesting by finishing regulation on a 15-3 run to force overtime. The Lady Phoenix quickly got back up off the deck, however, to outscore the home team 7-0 in the extra session to get a 50-43 victory and put one in the win column.

Sonoraville coach Stephanie Caudell said the win was a continuation of her young team’s maturation early in the season, and she was really pleased with how they stayed calm and collected to get the win.

“It was a growing up expe- rience, but that’s the best we’ve handles late, end-ofgame situations so far this year,” said Caudell. “If we make some free throws in the fourth, it’s over. But I told the girls that I’m proud of them for the way they kept their poise. And we finished.

“Hopefully this is something to build on. The kids were excited, and it does feel good to finally get a win. We’re still just going to plan on going back to work and getting better.”

Sonoraville ( 1- 5, 1- 3 Region 6-AAA) led 18-10 at the half and then 35-27 after three quarters. They got a big 3-pointer by Harleigh Chastain, one of her five on the night, and then a bucket by Sandi McMullin to push the lead to 12 early in the fourth. Coahulla Creek (1-8, 0-4) reeled 10 straight points from there and then got a 3-pointer from Mallory Poe with six seconds to play to tie the game and eventually send it to overtime.

Chastain had a game-high 26 points to lead the Lady Phoenix with 18 of those coming in the second half and overtime.

“Harleigh is a competitor, and she plays hard all the time,” said Caudell. “She’s had a lot of responsibility added this year and after Grace ( Darnell) went down with injury. She just refused to let us lose tonight. She was teh best player on the court tonight.”

Poe was the leading scorer for Coahulla Creek with 15, all coming on five 3’s. Lily Snyder scored 12, and Allie Young added 11.

The Lady Phoenix are on the road again on Friday at Ringgold at 7 p.m. for another region crossover matchup.

In other recent prep basketball action:

Calhoun girls 60, North Murray 51

Calhoun started slow but picked up the pace as the game went on to earn a region crossover road win on Tuesday night.

The Lady Jackets (8-2, 4-1 Region 6-AAA) fell behind 20-12 after one quarter but cut the deficit to 27-24 at the half. They then outscored North Murray by seven in each of the final two quarters to secure the victory.

Jana Johns led the Calhoun charge with 27 points and eight rebounds. Ashlyn Barnes contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, and Cassie Henderson added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Calhoun will open play in the Rome News-Tribune Holiday Festival on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Pepperell at Georgia Highlands.

Calhoun boys 78, North Murray 64

Calhoun took an early lead and held steady from there for a region crossover win on the road on Tuesday.

The Jackets ( 6- 0, 5- 0 Region 6- AAA) led 23- 13 after the first quarter and sustained a good lead from then on out. Malik Lawrence had a huge night to lead the way with 29, including hitting four 3-pointers. Chapin Rierson added 18, and Rhett Abernathy and Ryan Randall both scored eight.

The Jackets play in the first round of the Rome NewsTribune Holiday Festival on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Pepperell at Georgia Highlands.

Dade County boys 94, Gordon Central 46

Gordon Central stayed within striking distance through two quarters, but a huge second half for Dade County sent the Warriors to a big region loss on the road on Tuesday.

Gordon Central (1-5, 0-3 Region 7-AA) trailed 52-41 at the half, but Dade County dominated the final two quarters, outscoring the Warriors 42-5 to run away with the victory.

Dawson Lackey had 19 points, including a trio of 3’s, to lead the Warriors. Drake Bray and Gabe Ross each scored six.

Gordon Central returns home on Friday to host Rockmart in a 7-AA contest at 8:30 p.m.