FLOWERY BRANCH — The Lanier Christian girls basketball team is rolling toward the Region 2-3A GAPPS title.
For the second time in a week, the Lady Lightning (10-0, 6-0 Region 2-3A GAPPS) knocked off the defending region and state championships Westminster Christian Academy (7-4, 2-2 Region 2-3A GAPPS). This time, they made a statement, beating the Lady Lions by 20 points in a 51-31 rout for the season sweep.
The win put the Lady Lightning in the driver's seat to the region championship with five region contests left. LCA has a doubleheader with Trinity Prep on Friday at home, followed by Killian Hill, Peachtree Academy and one more game against Trinity Prep. LCA has already beaten Killian Hill and Peachtree Academy this season.
Shyla Sheffield, the team's leading scorer, poured in 16 points, grabbed eight rebounds and swiped four steals to lead the Lady Lightning to the win. Post Ashley Avery found her groove in the second half pitching in 11 points and four boards.
The two region foes traded baskets for most of the opening period ending with LCA up by just three points. But coach Mike Robertson cranked the defensive pressure up in the second quarter which fueled an offensive flurry to take a 29-17 lead by the half.
In the second half, LCA's defense continued its stingy play, holding the Lady Lions to single digits in the third and fourth quarters.
Lily Martin scored 9 and had five rebounds, and Lexie Robertson added 9 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
DAWSON COUNTY 63,
ALPHARETTA 56
The Lady Tigers held off a late Alpahretta rally to beat the Raiders on Thursday.
Maddie Anglin led Dawson County with 26 points, and Abby Slaton chipped in 14.
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