By MEGHAN COTTON
The Lady Braves defeated the Cypress Creek cougars last night, 36-12, in a game that had as many possession changes as the Rockefeller Christmas tree has lights.
The first quarter started slowly, with no baskets made within the first five minutes of the game. The ball went up and down the court but rarely made it to the basket. Cyprees Creek put the first points on the board, quickly followed by freshman Angeni Worley tying the score at 2-2. Sophomore Sadie Desroches made the third and final basket of the quarter, ending it with 4-2.
The pace quickened in the second quarter as both teams made desperate attempts to put points onto the scoreboard, an attempt that proved successful. Junior Cassandra Ketchum started with a layup. The Bears then responded with a three-pointer, which was quickly succeeded by Worley, bringing the score to 9-5. Cypress Creek slowed their plays down to ensure accurate shooting. Although their play was successful, Worley put up another three-pointer to secure their lead 12-7. After Cypress Creek scored again, the game looked as if it was going back and forth, until junior Carlyn Attaway scored on a rebound and Ketchum made a steal and scored with a layup. The second quarter ended with Ketchum assisting senior Kendall Byerly for a three-pointer, bringing the score to 19-9.
Cypress Creek put up countless shots in the third quarter, but made none of them. Ketchum, made two layups in a row, brought the score to 23-9. The Bears shot the first free throws of the game and misses both. Ketchum drew a foul and put two more points onto the board with free throws. The third quarter ended with Worley assisting sophomore Daneille Coqueran for a three-pointer, ending the quarter 28-9.
With both defenses playing stronger in the final quarter, more fouls occurred. Cypress Creek made three out of four free throws, ending their points for the game. Byerly put up a three-pointer to bring the score to 31-12. Sophomore Emily Colvin stole the ball to assist Coqueran with a three-pointer. The final basket was a jump shot by junior Aquila Thomas, ending the game 36-12.
The Braves are 5-4 with 16 games to go. Their next game is away at Apopka on Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m.