Lady Panthers notch key win
By JARED PUTNAM

Jordan West shouts the play call against White County.

Union County 49 - White County 39

The Lady Panthers picked up a big win last week, defeating a White County team that, prior to Tuesday’s game, seemed to have Union County’s number.

“We looked at them on film and saw some things we could do against them,” said Head Coach Mike West. “We pressed them a lot more and a lot harder.”

The added defensive intensity led to more turnovers and some easy baskets for the Lady Panthers. “We had great defense,” said the coach. “We knew who their shooters were and what their offense was and really kept them off base.”

Union County led 19-17 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Panthers started the second period hot, pushing the lead to 28-19. Union County eventually extended the lead to double digits at 32-22. White County rallied in the closing minutes, narrowing the score to 42-39. But the Lady Panthers hit clutch freethrows down the stretch to rebuild the lead and hang on for the win.

“We won the game because we made 23 out of 27 free throws,” said Coach West. “I was really happy with the fact that every time they would cut it to three or four we would get it back up to eight. Every time they made a little run we would make one back. They did a great job, especially the play out of my post players. That was probably as big of a win as we have had.”

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Victory and defeat: The post-game reactions tell the tale as the Lady Panthers celebrate while White County prepares to congratulate them on the win.

Kayla Gowder and Candace Williams tied for the team lead with 14 points each while Lauren Dyer added a double double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Kaley Sullivan and Leslie Bittenbinder tied for the team lead in takeaways with 4 each. Union County 49 Pickens County 71

After a big victory against White County the Lady Panthers suffered a tough loss on the road to a strong Pickens County squad.

“They jumped on us and we couldn’t make a shot,” said Coach West. “In the second half we hit a bunch of threes. We cut it to 12 [at one point], but Pickens went on a big run. It’s just one of those games where we didn’t play well.”

Candace Williams led in scoring with 14 points while Jess Seabolt added 8 to go along with 5 rebounds. Jordan West had a strong all-around game with 6 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Union County 40 Tallulah Falls 54 After a tough road game

Friday night, the Lady Panthers had the unenviable task of playing an early road game the next day, a 2:00 p.m. matchup with Tallulah Falls.

Coach West explained that the team didn’t execute the game plan, which was designed to wear the opponent down and go inside to get them in foul trouble.

“We jacked threes and we didn’t take it inside or get them in foul trouble,” said Coach West. “I was so frustrated with what we were doing that I became very negative.”

The coach said that the team has to become more consistent shooting the ball in order to find sustained success. “On a night where we shoot well, we can beat anybody,” said Coach West. “But on a night where we don’t shoot well anybody can beat us. That’s proof with Tallulah, we shoot 20 percent and give up 56 points against them.”

Candace Williams had a team high 9 points to pair with 7 rebounds while Leslie Bittenbinder added 7 points and 3 steals.

The Lady Panthers have an opportunity for redemption against Towns County this Friday, a team they almost defeated in their first matchup.

“We have to pick up the pieces [this week],” said Coach West. “We’ve played well at home. We’ve played with a lot of energy. This team can do everything, but you have to be able to make shots. Hopefully we will start shooting the ball better. Shooting can take care of a lot of other deficiencies.”