MONROEVILLE, Ala. — The No. 11 Pearl River women's basketball team moved to 10-0 Tuesday night, going on the road and earning a 20-point, 66-46 victory at Coastal Alabama – North.
"I thought tonight's game had the making of a true road conference game with the crowd and environment while forcing us to execute on both ends of the floor," head coach Scotty Fletcher said. "Coastal Alabama is extremely well-coached and has a very athletic team.
"Our DNA will always be defense and playing as a unit, and that paid dividends tonight. Our post players were very goodwhen we went to them, and they really did a great job of finishing for us."
Fletcher talked about his team through the first 10 games of the year.
"This is a fun team to coach, and it is an honor to be called their coach," he said. "They are very hungry and selfless, and that shows with the commitment and sacrifices they make each and every day in practice. The game will always pay you back when you are committed and do the right things. This team's confidence is continuing to grow in regard to meeting our expectations and standards daily."
The Wildcats (10-0 overall) had to battle early on against Coastal Alabama – North (3-6) as they trailed 12-9 with under five minutes left in the opening frame. Pearl River caught fire in the final five minutes, outscoring the Coyotes 15-4 to carry a 24-16 advantage into the second.
Pearl River and Coastal Alabama – North were deadlocked in the second quarter, scoring 10 points apiece to head into halftime with a 34-26 scoreline.
Pearl River tacked on 14 points in the third quarter in comparison to the seven Coyote points, moving ahead 48-33.
In the fourth, PRCC added in 18 points while Coastal Alabama – North scored 13. The Wildcats went on to win 66-46.
BY THE NUMBERS
Sydney Lewis (Upper Marlboro, Md.; McLean School) led the Wildcats in scoring with 13 points. Jazmine Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla.; Andrew Jackson) and Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio; Warrensville Heights) tied for second with 11 apiece.
Roge'Ne' Hillard (Hazlehurst; Copiah Academy) rounded out those in double figures with 10 points.
Fletcher highlighted the play of his freshmen in the contest.
"We had complimentary play from our freshman, and they did a good job of impacting the game," he said. "They continue to grow and are a pleasure to coach. Kori (Ware), Jae'la (Smith), Sanyla (Smith) and Mattison (Bell) were ready every time their name was called."
NEXT UP
Pearl River has a big test ahead of it as it travels to participate in the Shelton State Classic on Saturday and Sunday. PRCC takes on Walters State on Saturday and Three Rivers on Sunday.
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