Lady Mavericks rally falls short against Powell
Hammer’s Hardwood Classic
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Macy Basford was top scorer for the Lady Mavericks in the first and final game of the Hammer’s Hardwood Classic. Basford opened play with 20 points against Concord Christian and added 11 points in the tournament finale against Powell. - Tony Cox
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Bethany Lowe (15) looks for an open path to the basket during the Lady Mavericks’ tournament finale game against Powell. - Tony Cox
A slow start spelled defeat for the Anderson County High School girls basketball team in its final game of the 2024 calendar year.
The Lady Mavericks (5-7 overall, 1-2 District 4-AAA) scored just three points in the first quarter of a 54-46 loss to Powell on Saturday in the third-place game of the Anderson County bracket of the Hammer’s Hardwood Classic.
Anderson County, which defeated Powell earlier this season, managed only a field goal by Emerie Bullock and a free throw from Bethany Lowe in the opening frame.
Despite the loss, Lady Mavericks Coach Mitch Cupples saw positives, and said he hopes the game serves as a learning experience for his young team.
The Lady Mavericks won’t return to the court until Jan. 7, when they travel to Carter.
“We beat Powell on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving,” Cupples said. “Today, we had a slow start, but they responded. I told them that they see what they can do if we play like we did in the second half.
“They responded in the second half, and we scored 34 points,” he said.
“Sometimes, we only score 36 to 39 points in a whole game.”
The Lady Mavericks trailed 17-3 after the first quarter and 33-12 at halftime before finding their rhythm after the break.
Anderson County outscored Powell 16-7 in the third quarter.
Macy Basford led the Lady Mavericks with 11 points, all of which came in the second half.
Lowe added 10 points, while Shelby Kelly scored nine, and Addison Grooms finished with six.
Tournament Recap
In Friday’s semifinals, Anderson County lost 50-43 to Clarkrange, a team known for its strong program and multiple state championships.
The Lady Mavericks were undone by a third-quarter slump.
“We lost that quarter by eight (points),” Cupples said.
Grooms scored 12 points, while Basford added eight in the loss.
Anderson County opened tournament play on Thursday with a 55-28 win over Concord Christian School.
The Lady Mavericks jumped out to an 18-1 lead in the first quarter, and held a 37-8 advantage at halftime.
Basford led all scorers with 20 points. Lowe added 11, and Jaycee Phillips finished with eight.
Other Recent
Action
Earlier in the week, Anderson County fell 45-42 to Scott in a District 4-AAA game in Oneida on Dec. 17.
