Lady Mavericks beat Carter, Oliver Springs, fall to Campbell County in first week of ’24
Upon its return to the hardwood after a two-week holiday break, the Anderson County High School girls basketball team won two of its three games and battled valiantly in a loss to Campbell County at home Friday night.
The Lady Mavericks came up on the short end of a 54-48 decision against the Lady Cougars in the second meeting between the two teams.
Campbell County won the first game in relatively lopsided fashion.
“This one was a little better; the first time, we lost by 23 and this time, we lost by six,” ACHS Coach Mitch Cupples said. “We played well at times, but then we had a stretch where we didn’t hit shots. We were down by 15.”
The Lady Mavs (9-7) trailed by as many as 18 points twice. They would, however, battle back and have a chance to win late,
“We got it down to four in the fourth quarter, and had a chance at a layup to cut it to two, but it was contested,” Cupples said. “Our girls didn’t quit. I was proud of the girls because they played hard.”
Despite the loss, the Campbell County game would be a memorable one for Anderson County senior Emily Mustard. She had 17 points against the Lady Cougars and scored her 1,000th career point.
Jaylynn Bullock also scored 17 points for the Lady Cougars.
On Thursday, the Lady Mavericks made a trip to Oliver Springs and notched a 60-42 victory over the Lady Bobcats.
ACHS had three players post double figures in the scoring column. Jaylynn Bullock led the Lady Mavs’ offensive attack as she finished the contest with 15 points. Mustard added 13 points and Emerie Bullock had 10 points.
Anderson County opened its busy week of basketball on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at home with a 63-43 victory over Carter. It was the Lady Mavericks’ second win over the Hornets, who hail from Strawberry Plains.
ACHS defeated Carter last month in the opening round of the Maverick Christmas Classic on its way to winning the tournament championship.
In last week’s game against the Hornets, Jaylynn Bullock and Macy Basford scored 17 points each, and Bethany Lowe added 13.
As the Lady Mavericks return to District 4-AAA play, they’re still searching for their first league victory. ACHS (0-2 in the district) dropped a pair of district games in December against Scott and Clinton.
Anderson County’s games this week will be at home against district newcomers Gibbs and Cumberland Gap.
The Lady Mavericks were to play the Lady Eagles Tuesday night, but results were not available at press time.
Second-year Head Coach Kendal McGill has reversed Gibbs High’s fortunes on the hardwood since returning to her alma mater, as the Lady Eagles reached the region tournament last season.
“We’re going to have our hands full with these two games,” Cupples said. “Gibbs is playing well right now, and Cumberland Gap is a great team. I’m glad we have them at home first.
“I’ve never played up there, but I know it’s a tough place to play,” he said.
The Lady Mavs host Cumberland Gap Friday at 6 p.m.