Eastern Wayne girls advance to sectional final

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 23, 2007 2:24 PM

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WINDSOR -- Destiny's darlings refuse to go home.

Junior center Brittani Billups posted a double-double -- 30 points, 15 rebounds -- as Eastern Wayne nipped Bertie 67-66 in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A Sectional No. 2 semifinals Thursday evening.

The Warriors, who collected just two wins last season, improved to 13-12 overall. They travel to unbeaten and No. 1-ranked South Central for the sectional championship on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

"It was a very hostile environment; a loud crowd that did a great job supporting their team," said fourth-year Eastern Wayne coach Brent Holland. "It was a great atmosphere to play in. I thought the girls did a great job and Brittani had a tremendous game for us."

Eastern Wayne led 36-34 at halftime, but fell behind 56-55 after three periods of play. Holland said full-court pressure fueled a 10-0 run that led to an eight-point lead in the final quarter.

"It didn't last long," said Holland.

Bertie (14-12) answered with an 8-0 spurt and neither team managed more than a one- or two-point lead the remainder of regulation. The Warriors missed four free throws, including front ends of one-on-one opportunities, down the stretch.

Yasmine Washington's offensive putback created a four-point lead in the final seconds. The Falcons hit a meaningless, running 3-pointer as time expired.

Billups blocked seven Bertie shots. Washington supplied 13 points, while freshman Danielle Daniels added 11 points, including nine from 3-point range. Eboni Reid dished out seven assists.

South Central (27-0) swept the regular-season series against Eastern Wayne. The Warriors lost a one-point decision at home and endured a lopsided road loss.

"We feel like we're a little better," said Holland. "They're the No. 1-ranked team and we feel like we have nothing to lose. We're going to play loose and very hard."

2007 N.C. High School

Athletic Association Class 3-A

Women's Basketball Playoffs

Sectional No. 2 semifinals

(at Bertie HS, Windsor)

Eastern Wayne 16 20 19 12 -- 67

Bertie 18 16 22 10 -- 66

EASTERN WAYNE (13-12)

Brittani Billups 30, Yasmine Washington 13, Danielle Daniels 11, Noelle Kelly 6, Tiara McIntyre 4, Jasmine Middleton 2, Eboni Reid 2.

BERTIE (14-12)

Tiera Brown 19, Equalia Vines 14, Yashonti Bridges 14, Shanelle Foster 3, LaQuetta Leary 6, Devona Bond 3, Mia Howell 2, Ticorian Dulberry 5.