No. 1 Lady Elephants shut down Flowery Branch

GAINESVILLE - When you play defense the way the Gainesville girls basketball team did Friday night, you don't need much offense.

The Lady Red Elephants shut down the Flowery Branch offense from start to finish in taking a 45-30 win in the semifinals of the Region 7-AAA Tournament at the Chestatee High gym.

Flowery Branch (18-8) did not score more than 8 points in any single quarter. The Lady Falcons led just once, 1-0.

"That's probably the best I've ever seen (Gainesville) play defense," Flowery Branch coach Angela Middleton said. "We were lucky to be that close."

After falling behind 1-0, Gainesville went on a 13-1 run to take control. Flowery Branch got back to within five at 13-8 by the end of the first quarter but would not get any closer.

The Lady Falcons, however, stayed within reach behind their defensive effort limiting the powerful Lady Elephants to just 20 first half points.

"We didn't shoot very well but their defense was right with usmost of the game," Gainesville coach Manson Hill said. "We need to work on our offense a little bit."

The Lady Elephants opened up a 28-17 midway through the third quarter but Flowery Branch got within 28-22. Gainesville answered with a 16-7 run to put the game out of reach.

Tasha Humphrey and Kita Waller each scored 16 points to lead Gainesville.

Kristina Tyler scored 13 to lead Flowery Branch. The difference was that Beth Adcock (8), Courtney Newton (4) and Chelsea Fandl (2) combined for just 14 points. The average more than 25 points a game between them.

"Our girls are still learning what playoff basketball is all about," Middleton said. "We lost but I think they understand a little more. We held Gainesville to 45 points. If we play defense like that next week, I like our chances."