HC moves into girls final by downing WH, 54-18

by John Lucas | Nov 19, 2019 | Harnett Central

HC’s Syniah McMiller (40) and Jamia Harrington combine on a block.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Harnett Central’s girls basketball team opened the season by routing visiting Western Harnett 54-18 in the first round of the Harnett County Tip-Off Tournament on Monday.

“We know that defense is kind of going to be our bread and butter this year,” said Harnett Central coach Catherine Griffin. “So, I wasn’t really worried at the beginning when our shots weren’t falling. We were playing well enough defensively that eventually something had to go in. I’m proud of our defensive efforts tonight.”

Western Harnett coach Matthew Smith said his young team was too hesitant on offense.

“The defense bothered us, but our biggest problem right now is we’re afraid to shoot,” Smith said. “It’s not that we can’t shoot. We’re just afraid. We’re young. I’ve got six freshmen on the varsity right now. The numbers are down, so we kept as many freshmen to build them. My older girls are great. They work hard every day. There’s only one way now and that’s up. It was rough, but I felt like the shot that Tenaejah (McDougald) hit at the end of the first half (a three at the buzzer) kind of lifted us up and we played harder in the second half. I told them, ‘We’re not going to walk out of here thinking about what the scoreboard says. We’re going to walk out of here thinking that we’re making little steps every day.’”

Junior Brittany Mills had 23 points and junior Syniah McMiller had 15 points and six blocks to lead the Trojans (1-0).

“When we force tempo like we want to, that’s going to result in a lot of turnovers that lead to layups for Brittany,” Griffin said.

Lya Molyneaux had nine points and four steals. Madeline Langdon had four points, eight rebounds and four steals. JoNese Monroe had two points. Shay Raines had one point.

With only four returning varsity players from last season, Griffin was glad for the opportunity to get the entire roster some playing time.

“It’s huge,” Griffin said. “It puts everybody in a situation where they think that they can contribute a little bit and it gives them some confidence. Six of our girls tonight, it’s their first time ever playing varsity basketball. So, it was a good opportunity for them to get into the game and see what varsity basketball is all about.”

Sydney Jackson had four points, McKayla Bailey, Tenaejah McDougald, Makyia Mackey and Morgan McInnis had three points apiece and Ashanta Williams had two points for the Eagles (0-1).

Central shut out Western in the first quarter, going on a 9-0 run.

Western Harnett meets Triton in the girls consolation game at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Harnett Central advances to the championship game at 6:30 on Wednesday. Harnett Central will host both games.