Comets defeat Jr. Lady Rangers

Ivan Sanders
STAR Correspondent

   There's something to say about the old adage "Defense wins ballgames." Just ask the Jr. Lady Rangers about that.
   The Central Lady Comets invaded Unaka Elementary School on Monday evening producing 18 steals on defense and outgunning the Lady Rangers 32-17.
   Tia Hughes and Billie Jean Campbell tallied four points each to stake the Coach Penny Nave's squad to an early 12-5 lead after one quarter of play. Tiffany Babb was able to keep her team close by hitting for all five of the Lady Rangers points.
   Centrals defense totally caused the Rangers all kinds of problems, as there were numerous turnovers by Unaka. Meanwhile, Hughes continued to increase the deficit as she added four more to her column in the second period.
   Hughes received help from fellow Lady Comet Ketta Metcalf, who helped pad the lead for Central with three points of her own. Babb added another deuce for Unaka, as did Jacklyn Campbell, but the Lady Rangers found themselves trailing 21-9 at the half.
   The third quarter was a pure defensive show as Central held Coach Don Parkeys' Rangers to only two points from the hand of Campbell, while they added another 10 to their point total. Five players from Central scored two points each to provide balanced scoring for the Lady Comets.
   Heather Simpson, Cassie Osborne, and Mariah Pietrowski each contributed in the quarter along with Hughes and Metcalf.
   The fourth quarter proved to be the best offensive quarter for Unaka as they outscored Central six to one in the period. Babb added three more, while Terra Potter and Campbell contributed two and one respectively. Courtney Byers would score the only point for Central on a foul shot.
   Hughes from Central and Babb from Unaka tied for high scorer in the contest with 10 each. Babb added four rebounds and five blocked shots to her ledger as well.