The Eastside Lady Bulldogs showed just why they went undefeated this season, defending their unblemished record by winning in the postseason tournament, 39-13, over Hickory Creek’s Lady Hawks on Friday at Irving College.
Entering the Warren County Elementary Basketball Association 5-6 grade postseason tournament as the odds-on favorite, Eastside (18-0) has had everybody’s number this year.
“I’m super proud of all our girls,” said Eastside coach Tonya Crawford. “They stuck with it until the end and I am really happy for them.”
For the first couple of minutes, both teams got off to a slow start until Lady Bulldog Shelby Smartt started making her own shots in the paint. Smartt has quarterbacked Eastside’s offense all season in an unflappable style that sets the tone and the tempo. Smartt hit for 12 points, a game high, and had a lot of help from the entire team.
Synchronicity has been a staple in Eastside’s performance, as each plays off the strengths of her teammates. If they’ve got the shot they take it or pass it off if someone is in a better position to score. This unselfish team attitude has made the Lady Bulldogs the team to beat.
Also scoring for Eastside were Sable Winfree with 10 points, Emeri Cummings 5, Savannah Winfree 4 and Emma Cordell, Katie Carter, BeBe Brackley and Kelly Bush all hit for 2 points apiece.
Leading up the offense for Hickory Creek was Isabella Pennington with 6 points, Paige Sweeton 4, Kora Forbes 2 and Hailey Simpson was good for 1 point.
Eastside will advance to play the Lady Eagles of Morrison on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at Irving College.