GIRLS' BASKETBALL: SC girls knock off Hobbton

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on December 16, 2016 10:01 AM

• Print
• Email

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Best laid plans don't often include wrinkles.

But the Spring Creek varsity girls' basketball team dispelled that notion Thursday evening, getting sustained production from freshman forward Belinda Carson en route to a 50-34 victory over Carolina 1-A foe Hobbton at "The Swamp."

From the outset, the Gators' plan was twofold in nature -- no exceptions.

One, double-team Hobbton point guard Aneesha Dunn. Two, limit all-everything forward Nina Devone's touches at the high post.

Led by seniors Destiney Sutton and Shakera Williams, the rotating Gator siege was flawless in the opening stanza, generating 10 turnovers and creating a quick 12-point working advantage.

The pace was intense, quick and unrelenting.

"I thought we did a really good job, had good rhythm," Spring Creek head coach Charlie Cotten said. "If we could put pressure on their guards, we could keep the ball out of Devone's hands."

Then Williams picked up her second foul, placing Spring Creek and its scouting report in a decided mid-flight bind.

Cue Carson.

The freshman entered late in the first quarter, and quickly made her mark by snaring consecutive rebounds and hitting the floor countless times in pursuit of the basketball.

She also exuded poise in her matchup with Devone, allowing the imposing senior to make just three field goals throughout the second period and no trips to the free throw line.

As wrinkles go, nearly perfect.

"I talked to Belinda about playing her (Devone) with her feet," Cotten said of the in-game adjustment. "Just stand tall, being smart... and don't reach."

Done and done.

At half, Spring Creek led 29-19.

Both teams labored through a rough start after the break, making just three field goals throughout a sluggish, foul-prone eight minutes. Devone did her best to keep Hobbton alive, however, filing four points and an other-worldy 11 rebounds in the stanza.

But the Wildcats never got closer than 10, as Spring Creek returned to its stingy first-quarter form in the final period, forcing 12 turnovers and allowing just a single field goal on its way to a 16-point victory.

Destiney Sutton led the Gators with a game high 22 points and 12 steals. Carson tendered a diverse, nuanced performance, logging eight points, 19 boards, four steals and two blocks.

Devone led the way for Hobbton (1-6 overall, 0-2 CC) , registering 21 points and 29 rebounds.

The victory moved Spring Creek to 5-3 on the season and 2-0 in Carolina 1-A league play -- a start which represents the best in program history.

"I'm proud of the way the girls are playing," Cotten said. "I see some things that are very promising from an offensive and defensive standpoint -- but there's always room for improvement."

The Gators next suit up Dec. 17 at the Dixon High School Christmas tournament near Jacksonville.