BASKETBALL: Lithia and Chapel Hill split cross-county games
by Beck Shadinger / For the Sentinel
Dec 15, 2012 | 721 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print
The Lady Panthers held off the Lady Lions in a tight battle between county rivals 47-44. The Lithia men's team avenged the Ladies' loss, defeating Chapel Hill 71-57 in a game dominated by the Lions for the bulk of the game.

In the girls game, Chapel Hill had the lead for the bulk of the game, however Lithia kept the game close throughout. Lady Panther guard Kaneisha Mixon lead the team with 13 points, but Lithia guard Tashara Jones lead all scoring with 18 in a losing effort. Lithia forward Selena Crummie also had a major contribution with her physical post play while scoring 13 points.

The scoring in the first quarter was at a minimum as both teams attempted to feel each other out. Chapel Hill's full court press defense limited Lithia's transition opportunities as well as forced the Lady Lions to run an effective half-court offense if they wanted to score. Lithia's defense forced multiple turnovers, but Chapel Hill led at the end of the quarter 10-8.

The second quarter brought much of the same style of play, and Chapel Hill held onto the lead heading into the locker room at halftime, 24-20. The Lady Panthers maintained their four point lead at the end of the third quarter, 30-26.

The fourth quarter brought the best put of both teams. Lithia roared back from a 37-30 deficit and with under a minute left Jones narrowed the lead to one point, putting both sides of the stands on their feet, however Mixon along with fellow guards Ashley Chestnutt and Erica Jones, as well as forward Earnicia Washington would not allow the Lions to take the game over and held on to gain the victory.

The Lithia boys came firing right out of the gates to give themselves a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. The bulk of the points came off Chapel Hill turnovers, leading to easy fast break layups. The trend continued in the second quarter. Lithia took advantage of their transition opportunities, and their three pointers came aplenty, led by guard Miles Howard. The Panthers did not help themselves either, missing several point blank shots. The Lions extended their lead even further going into halftime up 42-23.

Lithia kept attacking in the third quarter extending the lead 67-36, essentially ending the game. Chapel Hill was forced into several more turnovers and they had to rush their shots in an attempt to narrow the gap. Lithia's three point shooting was stellar once again in the quarter. The Lions also dominated the glass, clawing for several second chance opportunities with their efficient offensive rebounding abilities.

Chapel Hill gave a valiant effort in the final quarter outscoring the Lions 21-4, showing their resiliency but it was too little too late. Lithia's leading scorer was was guard Johnathan Walker with 18. Chapel Hill's scoring was lead by Efe Balfour with 13.
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