Spring Creek girls let fourth-quarter lead slip away

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 24, 2015 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Charlie Cotten has seen the hunger, desire and determination of his returning starters during the first two games of the season.

Now, it's a matter of sealing the deal.

Absent a key starter during the final 91/2 minutes of the game, Spring Creek let a double-digit lead slip through it grasp and watched Jones Senior battle back for a 61-58 victory Monday evening.

"Our girls wanted it so bad, they've worked really hard and could taste it," said Cotten, whose team was outscored 24-9 in the fourth quarter. "I think the excitement of it, the expectations of it at the end caused a few turnovers, but I'm pleased with it, very happy."

Up by double digits late in the third, Spring Creek's Ashley Marriner got knocked to the hardwood by the Trojans' Franlena Brimage. The official immediately signaled for assistance from the bench and it was determined that Marriner sustained a concussion on the play.

Her status is undetermined for next Monday's game at Lejeune.

The loss of Marriner's quickness allowed the Trojans to quickly get back into the ball game. Shooting guard Latrina Gatling either drained pull-up jumpers or slashed her way into the lane for uncontested shots as Jones Senior went on a 10-0 run.

Tysha Teachey's free throw stopped the surge and pushed the Gators' precarious advantage to 50-47 with 5:15 remaining in regulation. Over the next three minutes, the teams played at a frantic pace and the lead changed hands three times.

Destiney Sutton's layup pushed SC back in front, 58-56.

Gatling dropped in the game-tying basket. After a mad scramble near midcourt, Pamela Ruiz Arambula picked up the ball and scored the go-ahead layup. Gatling's free throw sealed the outcome with 6.9 seconds to go.

"There are times where you just have to slow down and relax, and our girls are still learning," said Cotten, who returns his entire starting lineup from last season.

"It's going to come as the season goes on, they get used to the pace of the game and understanding when do I slow down and when do I run."

Sutton logged 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Amber Buchan drained the nets for 19 points and just missed a double-double with eight assists, including six in the third quarter. Teachey contributed nine points and 15 boards.

The Trojans' Gatling and Brimage combined for 55 points.