Highlassies conquer Hill
Velma Mitchell exploded for 36 points, including seven 3-pointers, to lead the McLennan Highlassies to a 92-81 conference victory over the rival Hill College Lady Rebels Saturday afternoon in Hillsboro.
McLennan came out with a high level of energy and intensity, playing like a team with a lot to prove. The game began with a series of back-and-forth baskets by both teams. The game was tied at 12 with 5:40 remaining in the first. That's when the Highlassies stepped up their defense and began to put some distance between themselves and the Lady Rebels. McLennan erupted for a 13-1 run to double up the score, 26-13, with just under two minutes to play in the quarter. The Highlassies held the 29-17 lead after one quarter of play. McLennan held a double-digit lead until late in the second quarter. Hill made a run down the stretch, cutting the Highlassies' lead to five at halftime, 51-46.
The Highlassies picked up the intensity level again to start the third, opening on an 18-3 run to take the 69-49 lead with four minutes remaining in the quarter. McLennan led 75-51 going into the the final quarter. The Lady Rebels cut the Highlassie lead to nine several times in the final period, but McLennan's momentum carried them to victory.
Mitchell's 36 points led all scorers. Jaylonn Walker added 13 for the Highlassies. Nadia Hayes and Dariel Johnson scored 12 and 10, respectively.
The Highlassies will continue conference play Wednesday, hosting Cisco at 5:30 p.m.
McLennan 92, Hill 81
McLennan: Patrickia Daily 2 2-2 8; Colandria Haynes 0 0-0; Dariel Johnson 2 5-6 10; Jordan Mullins 2 0-0 4; Velma Mitchell 10 9-10 36; Jaylonn Walker 5 22- 13; Chelsi Woodard 1 0-0 2; Nadia Hayes 6 0-0 12; Ashley Moore 0 1-2 1; Desirae Devine 3 0-0 6; Totals: 31 19-22 92.
Hill: Tamia Cunigan 2 0-0 4; Kristian Davis 6 0-0 12; Kynese Davis 3 3-5 9; Chelsea Adams 4 0-1 9; April Matthews 1 0-0 2; Kayla McConnell 1 0-0 3; Lexi Burns 3 3-3 11; Ceara Leavi 2 0-0 5; Ari Sims-Jackson 3 1-2 7; Dree Roberson 0 0-0 0; Faith Dimerson 4 0-0 8; Jamesia Amand 4 3-3 11; Totals: 33 10-14 81.
3-pointers: McLennan 11 (Mitchell 7, Daily 2, Johnson 1, Walker 1), Hill 5 (Burns 2, Adams 1, McConnell 1, Leavi 1); Total fouls: McLennan 21, Hill 25; Fouled out: McLennan (Mitchell); Halftime score: McLennan 51, Hill 46; Record: McLennan 9-9 (2-1).