Sports - November 2003

Lady Mustangs lose tough one

Published November 24, 2003

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, Staff Writer

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Down 35-19 at the end of the third quarter the East Lincoln Lady Mustangs basketball team the situation looked bleak against the Lady Jackets from Bessemer City.

However, the Lady Mustangs showed a resilient spirit with an offensive outburst of 24 points in the final quarter to send the game into overtime, but ultimately losing 49-48.

Down 43-40 Sarah Fleming, who led the Lady Mustangs in scoring with 21, made a three pointer with three seconds left to send the game into the extra period.

With less than 15 seconds in the extra period Monica Adams, who paced the Lady Yellow Jackets with 24 points, netted two free throws that proved to be the game’s final points.

Head coach Henry Barkley said the fact that his team didn’t give up spoke volumes.

“The kids played a good fourth quarter and it proved that they can come back. They were down 10 points with two minutes left to play and we were able to tie it up. When you make a comeback like that, they know they can do it,” he said.

The 24 point fourth quarter led Barkley to believe that his team has begun to find their identity.

“We played so-so basketball for three quarters. Then in the fourth quarter they found out they could be a good ball club on the offensive end and on defense,” he said.

Despite the loss the coach was able to make an important discovery.

“The encouraging thing was that we found out we could use our bench. That gives us the ability to use all our ball players and keep people fresh,” Barkley said.

The Lady Mustangs’ coaching staff, headed by Barkley, feels they know how to be successful.

“We are emphasizing that if we play defense and run the floor and stay aggressive in a smart way we have a chance to be competitive,” Barkley said.

Fleming, Leslie Marlowe who had 14 points in the game and Toree Roseboro played important roles for the Lady Mustangs. Barkley was pleased with all three.

“Fleming is our go-to player offensively. We’re calling on her to lead us offensively and defensively. She’s our leader on the floor. Marlowe shot the ball real well and Toree Roseboro scored four critical points in the last quarter for us,” he said.

Barkley spoke favorably of his opponent and their leader post player Adams.

“They’re a quick and aggressive ball club. They got two freshman guards that run the team and then they have Adams as the player that will lead them a long way. She says it’s her territory and nobody is going to get it,” he said.

Going into their next ball game East Lincoln has one goal in mind.

“Now we have to play the first three quarters like we did the last quarter,” Barkley said.

Bessemer City: Melissa Broaden 8, Brittany Jordan 9, Anna Apesneck 6, Anna McKaskill 2 and Monica Adams 24.

East Lincoln: Sarah Fleming 21, Leslie Marlowe 14, Kim Scercy 1, Koree Roseboro 4, Toree Roseboro 4, Krista Moore 2, Shemele Smith 2.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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