Dublin – Carroll County remained perfect on the young season after wearing down a talented squad from Pulaski County, 57-42 behind 26 points from Alyssa Ervin.
The homestanding Cougars moved down from Class 4 to Class 3 this year and now reside within the same Region as the Cavaliers so the possibility of a third match-up in the post season exists.
Carroll County (4-0) knows that each time they come in to a contest they do so as the Two Time Defending State Champs. This guarantees that they will face someone looking to take down the Champs and they will see each teams version of how to cover Ervin as she plays out her Senior season before heading to Elon University.
Pulaski County switched from their previous approach from earlier in the season opener when they sent Ervin to the free throw line 19 times. Saturday they slowed the game down and double teamed Ervin at every possible opportunity to see if the remaining Cavaliers could score enough points to win the game ?
After playing the first half to a 19-19 draw it appeared that the plan was working. Ervin scored a season low seven points in the opening half but the Cavs continued to play suffocating defense and remain patient offensively.
The game was still very much in doubt at the end of the third quarter at 35-31 in favor of Carroll County before CCHS finally created some breathing room with one of their patient bursts in the fourth quarter.
Tied at 35-35 with 5:36 remaining the Cavs broke the contest open. Katie Lam (10 points) connected on her second 3-pointer early in the 15-3 run and Ervin sandwiched a pair of Callie Harris free throws with one basket and her third 3-pointer. In the blink of an eye (3:37 of game time) the Cavaliers erased the hopes of the Cougars gaining a regular season split.
The strategy was a solid one and it won’t be the final time its implemented this season. Trying hard to slow down Ervin and make others beat you might have worked even better earlier in the season but the new look Cavaliers are starting to grow into their new roles.
Lyons finished with eight points and Kacie Young added six and the front court duo clogged up the middle on the defensive end as well. The competition went a long way in limiting the Cougars to just 42 points.
Young started in place of injured Corrie Delp for a second straight game as the Sophomore recovers from an injury. The encouraging thing is Delp was feeling well enough to take her place on the bench. Sister Amie Delp returned from her injury and was once again available to Coach Marc Motley.
Harris finished up with four points and Sarah Alderman tallied three points in a well balanced attack
The team will have an extended break, not returning to action until Monday December 18th when they host Honaker. The Championship Ring ceremony is planned for that evening as well.
Quick Note 📝 – the full box score that will run with it comes curtosey of Mrs. Brandi.
A.S.P.N on The Hill 