YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. —
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Shorter 66, Young Harris 65
SUMMARY:
In a nail-biting conclusion to their latest Conference Carolinas basketball contest, the Shorter University Hawks women's team edged out the Young Harris Mountain Lions with a final score of 66-65 on January 8, 2025. Held at The Harp Recreation & Commencement Center in Young Harris, GA, this victory pushes the Hawks to a commendable season record of 9-2, with a 4-1 standing in their conference games.
The game was intensely contested, as evidenced by Shorter gaining their first lead of the game with 45 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter went much like the 1st until 5 minutes left in the half. Shorter started to pull away and it all stemmed from a fast break layup from Tionna Baker. The Hawks forced 10 turnovers from intense pressure. Shorter finished the half with a slight lead at the half, 39-33.
The 3rd quarter was a perfect storm in favor of the Mountain Lions. The Hawks turned the ball over 7 times due to pressure. The Mountain Lions were also able to grab 4 offensive rebounds in the quarter. Despite the bad play, the Hawks were able to retake the lead after being down with 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and ended the quarter on top by 2.
The 4th quarter could be defined by two words: Hustle and Energy. Tori Smiley hustled to save a would-be turnover and turned a loose ball into an assist under the basket to Tiara Lewis (8:50 mark in the game). This play was followed by Tionna Baker putting her body on the line and drawing a charge against the Mountain Lions. Tori Smiley again showed energy by gaining a crucial offensive rebound and putback with 2:50 left in the game to put the Hawks up 1. Derrica McCall scored the game-clinching bucket with 1:18 left in the game with a tough acrobatic finish in the paint. The Hawks were able to hold Young Harris to 4 points in the last six minutes of the game.
NOTEWORTHY:
· Tori Smiley led the Hawks with 16 points (67% from the field), 4 rebounds, 3 steals
· Amya Patterson added 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists
· Tiara Lewis contributed a solid 12 points and 8 rebounds
· Amiya Redus chipped in 8 points in 6 minutes off the bench
· The Hawks dominated the paint, scoring 40 points to Young Harris' 24
· The Hawks defense limited the Mountain Lions to 39% shooting from the field
· Shorter shot 50% from the field
WORDS FROM THE HAWKS:
"This win is huge for our program. It's a reminder of how our work throughout preseason and the adjustments we make each game are essential. Also, a testament to our ability to have multiple people step up for a team win. We have an older group and down the stretch, it showed in our composure and our ability to lock in and come out with a win." – Head Coach LaSheena Brooks
ON THE HORIZON:
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to face Francis Marion at the WKC Center on January 11, 2025, if the weather permits. Rome, GA is expected to face a serious winter mix of sleet, ice, and snow.
