By Whitney Metz–
The Nandua Lady Warriors took on Pocomoke High School at home on Monday night. Both teams had a slow start offensively and after the first half Nandua led by only 17-18. The two teams exchanged the lead multiple times within the second half, but the game became intense as they went into the fourth quarter.
Pocomoke was up 31-28 going into the final quarter of the game, after utilizing a full-court press to challenge the Lady Warriors’ offense. Nandua continued to fight back responding each time Pocomoke scored. Late in the fourth Pocomoke’s point guard hit a 3-pointer that put Pocomoke in the lead 38-36. Nandua quickly responded drawing two fouls that sent Brittany Dennis and Kallie Williams to the free-throw line within seconds of each other. Each of these players made one of their two foul shots tying the game 38-38.
Pocomoke attempted to inbound the ball, but they were unsuccessful as Reagan Justice jumped the pass and stole the ball. She quickly shuffled it to Williams, who nailed a jumper giving Nandua the lead once again. Pocomoke tried to answer, powering down the court, but a missed shot and an offensive rebound by Dennis gave Nandua the ball with 1:38 left in the game. Dennis got the ball out to Justice who was immediately fouled and sent to the line.
After making one of her two foul shots, Nandua was up 38-41. Pocomoke continued to fight but after another turnover, Pocomoke was forced to foul Bo Braxton to stop the clock for a final chance to win as the time was running out. Braxton went to the line with confidence and extended Nandua’s lead to 42-39.
Nandua’s players, coaches, and fans celebrated as the buzzer sounded, recording their first win of the season at home. Kallie Williams was the leading scorer for the Lady Warriors with 12 points. She was followed by Reghan Hintz with 9 points and Brittany Dennis with 8 points. The Nandua girls basketball team will play again Jan. 6 at home against Broadwater Academy.