By Brian Bloom
Regional Manager
Elizabeth Williams scored her only two points at the 3:56 point in the second quarter. Unfortunately for Bartlett, it was the only basket the lady Panthers would make in the eight-minute stanza as they stumbled to FCA 58-39 Friday night.
Bartlett’s cold quarter unraveled a strong start for coach Lynn Whitfield’s youthful squad. Facing a home-schooled squad with 17 wins under their belt, Bartlett raced to a 14-8 lead as they harassed the more experienced visitors to multiple first period turn-overs.
The Nighthawks turned the table in the second as Bartlett forced shots or failed to make it into their offensive sets. FCA went on a 7-0 run to start the second period and take a 15-14 lead. Williams’ basket stemmed the surge but the Nighthawks closed the period with 13 unanswered points led by eight by Samantha Price.
The Lady Panthers traded buckets early in the third before FCA rattled off another 12-0 run. Bartlett could only double their one field-goal second quarter effort looking up at a 49-23 hill.
Stella Gill and Shondria Scruggs sparked an early fourth quarter surge, working the ball inside and hitting from the wing. The pair led a 7-2 run and Kelsey Baker added some late buckets for Bartlett.
Bartlett travels to Bolton Friday and finishes a three-game road trip at Craigmont January 15.
FCA Nighthawks (58) — Lauren Hoyle 4, Bailye McCune 4, Jennifer Milewski 14, Samantha Price 20, Grace Wade 14, Sarah Wakefield 2.
Bartlett (39) — Kelsey Baker 9, Stella Gill 9, Shuntavia Rodgers 10, Shondria Scruggs 9, Elizabeth Williams 2.
