Gaston County Battle – Ashbrook (9-3) vs Shelby (11-1)
Gaston County Battle – Ashbrook (9-3) VS Shelby (11-1) – January 23, 2020 There is a lot going into these high school basketball games this time of year, even more when you are trying to position yourselves for the…
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Continue ReadingGaston County Battle – Ashbrook (9-3) VS Shelby (11-1) – January 23, 2020
There is a lot going into these high school basketball games this time of year, even more when you are trying to position yourselves for the conference and potential State playoffs. I walked into the Gym expecting this game to be very contested and the 1st half was like the Macy’s Fireworks show on the 4th of July – Shelby – 2022 – Guard – Kate Hollifield – Came out of her corner swinging, scoring 13 Pts in the 1st Quarter including 3 – 3Ptrs to give her team a 16 – 6 lead after the 1st. Ashbrook – 2022 – Wing – Zoey Ward – Came back with a strong 2nd Quarter of her own, scoring 10 Points including knocking down a 3Ptr and they outscored Shelby 14 – 13 and went into halftime down by 9 points 29 – 20. The game was starting out nicely and I was looking forward to a great finish that would have both teams making plays down the stretch.
The 3rd Quarter started and I could not have imagined what was going to come next, Shelby continued to get Kate Hollifield the ball and she kept scoring, getting to the free throw line in the 1st 11 seconds of the quarter. Ashbrook was unfortunately too late to get the 3rd Quarter started on the offensive side, they missed the entire 3rd period… Did not make 1 shot or free throw the whole time. The 9 – 0 scoring gap in the 3rd Quarter gave Shelby a cushion that they would add on to in the 4th Quarter on there way to a 56 – 34 Victory. Ashbrook did have a bright spot in 2023 – Guard – Kennette Bess – Who finished with 13 Points & scored 7 in the 4th qtr along with a 3Ptr, 2022 – Zoey Ward – Finished with 12 and they will look to bounce back next game. Shelby was lead by 2022 – Katle Holifield with 25 Pts (4 – 3Ptrs), but also received 16 Pts from 2023 – Guard – Maraja Pass – Who showcased an awesome handle and balance for a Freshman. Pass is a name to remember, her ability to carve up the defense with her quickness and change of speed was a great setup for the Hollifield’s shooting and slashing ability… that’s right there are 2 Hollifield’s – 2023 – Guard – Ally – Is the younger sister to Kate and also finished with 7 Points, including a 3Ptr of her own.
Both of these teams are very strong and will look to make a push in the NCHSAA State playoffs next month, they may have to go through each other to get a spot in the Regional Finals or State Final Four.