WCDS girls turn back Crossroads Christian

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 11, 2015 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Winning streaks build confidence.

They also help take your mind off of the outside world for a couple of hours, too.

Lexi Jeffreys scored 12 points and Lillian Freeman added 10 as Wayne Country Day claimed its third consecutive win -- a 43-30 conquest of Crossroads Christian on Thursday evening.

Head coach CC Waters smiled on the outside.

But little did anyone know his heart was breaking on the inside.

Earlier in the day, Waters learned his 61-year-old father had terminal cancer. And while his thoughts drifted towards his dad throughout the night, Waters beamed like a proud father after watching the Chargers fight through a difficult second half.

"We played well. We're playing confident and it's amazing what a win will do to your team when they believe in themselves," Waters said. "I think with the way Lexi and Lillian are playing together, and TT Ramsey played well on both sides of the court. Those are my big three (and) when they collectively play well, good things happen to us."

The Chargers needed all three against the Colts.

Crossroads climbed to within 27-21 on Ashley Hayes' steal and layup. WCDS answered with Freeman's 3-pointer off of Ramsey's third assist of the game to make it 30-21.

Early in the fourth quarter, Ramsey converted a crucial possession.

The speedy sophomore guard came with up a steal underneath the Colts' basket, drove the length of the court and drew a foul as her layup dropped through the net. Ramsey drained the free to extend the Chargers' advantage to 33-21.

"Huge? Oh, yeah," Waters said. "TT finishes well around the glass and we needed that. It was a big momentum changer for us. She's a good free throw shooter for us and that always helps when you knock down the free with an 'and-one.'

"I trust her when she gets it (the ball) to penetrate because she's one of the fastest girls on our team. I'm very proud of her play."

The Colts closed the gap to 33-28 midway through the final period on Molly Harty's second 3-pointer of the game. Waters burned a timeout, reminded his team to let its defense generate its offense.

Freeman dished to Jeffreys underneath for a layup. Freeman and Rebecca Edmondson each scored again inside and the Chargers sealed the outcome.

"Our strength is our size," Waters said. "In the locker room, I told them we won the game on our offensive rebounds and transition. They're getting better at using the backboard and fundamentals are setting in."

Wayne Country Day (3-8 overall) pulled down 61 rebounds -- including 16 by Kaitlyn Daniels, who just missed a double-double with eight points. As a team, the Chargers handed out 11 assists on 20 made field goals.