Wednesday, January 17 the Lady Warriors basketball team (13-6) took a major win against the Osborne Cardinals (1-5). The Warriors gracefully danced their way to victory, leaving the Cardinals fluttering their wings in defeat with a score of 64-23. The court stood as a stage for the Warrior’s skillful performance, each play executed with precision and teamwork that showcased their dedication to success.
Leading up to the game, NC’s players focused on maintaining their skills and learning the offensive and defensive strategies of the Cardinals team. To accomplish a victory, the Lady Warriors watched videos of the Cardinal’s previous games to understand the intricacies of their game strategies.
“I’m feeling very confident in my team. We’ve been mainly focusing on one game at a time, but we watch film on the teams we play to be prepared for what they do. We just need to play good defense,” senior shooting guard Taylor Albritton (33) said.
The game kicked off with the Warriors winning the jump ball and seizing control early. A slow start quickly transformed into an explosive display of skill with senior shooting guard Armani Shaw (10) leading the charge by sinking a remarkable three-pointer for the first points of the game.
Despite the Cardinals’ efforts, the Warriors maintained their dominance with senior point guard Erinne Giles (30) showcasing incredible accuracy in three-point shots and hitting two consecutively. Albritton contributed with a crucial rebound and two-point shot, putting the Warriors up by 22 points. The Warriors faced challenges with fouls, allowing the Cardinals to attempt their first free throw; the Warriors’ defensive efforts, however, limited the Cardinals’ scoring opportunities.
By halftime, the Warriors led with a 43-12 score, obliterating their feathered opponents. After a scuffle for the ball, Albritton successfully attained the ball, resulting in two additional points for the Warriors. Shortly after, the Warriors gained another point on a free throw by Shaw.
Following a timeout called by the Warriors, Shaw showcased her excellent defensive capabilities, keeping the ball away from the net, despite the Cardinal’s possession. After a long fight for the ball and a timeout, the Lady Warriors inched further toward victory, leaving Osborn in the dust with a score of 58-14.
By the end of the game, the crowd’s excitement felt palpable. With a thrilling swish through the hoop, the eager onlookers erupted into cheers. With hardly any time left, Osborn made a desperate attempt to score two additional points. Although they succeeded, the Warriors finished the game with a strong victory, scoring 41 points higher than the Cardinals.
“I think the girls played really well. I am incredibly proud of their performance on the court against Osbrone. Each player showcased their skills, contributing to a well-deserved victory. The momentum of this season keeps everyone excited for their next games. I really hope we can keep the positive energy coming,” junior cheerleader Arianna Williams said.
The Lady Warriors hope to use their win against Osborne as a momentum boost, carrying the confidence gained into their upcoming match against the Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs (2-18) at Kennesaw Mountain High School January 23. Eager to build on their recent success, the Lady Warriors aim to showcase not only individual skills but also their seamless chemistry and team work. With a commitment to extending their winning streak, they seek to further solidify their place at the top of the region and prove their power on the court.