The Washington School girls basketball team fought hard in the second half, but the first half hole they dug for themselves was just too deep as they lost 53-37 at home to Starkville Academy Tuesday night.
The Lady Generals (12-7) trailed the Lady Vols 32-16 at halftime and matched Starkville Academy shot for shot for much of the second half; however, they were never able to get the score to within 10 points for the final two quarters.
“I think we hustled but we weren’t hitting our shots,” Washington School coach Yvette McPherson said. “We came out with a strong intensity in the second half, but we just didn’t make enough shots. Maddie Jones led the Lady Generals with 13 points. Lela Signa scored 11 points for Washington School. Elly Hitt scored five points.
Starkville Academy’s Sara Stokes McReynolds made eight free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. McReynolds finished with a team high 21 points. Lady Vol Meg Brown made three 3-pointers in the first half to help give her team the early lead.
The Lady Generals will look to win their first conference game Thursday night when they host Magnolia Heights.
Washington School came into Tuesday’s game with momentum after Mary Glenn Hooker played a pair of outstanding games at the Canton Academy Christmas Tournament over the break. Hooker had a double, double against Riverfield Academy and a career high 31 points and 11 rebounds in the Lady Generals win 55-40.
She had 19 points the next day in their 52-42 win against Tri-County Academy.
