Prep Basketball: Carson girls 75, Statesville 19

By Ronnie Gallagher

rgallagher@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — It took the Carson girls 82 extra minutes to get their NPC tournament opener started Monday night.

It took them about four minutes to end any suspense as they pummeled hapless Statesville 75-19.

In fact, the only suspense of the night was whether any referees would show up at all.

They finally did and so did the Cougars.

Chloe Monroe drained three 3-pointers and led the Cougars (22-2) into Thursday night’s semifinals against West Rowan. She scored 15 while Kelly Dulkoski and Alex Allen pitched in with 13 each.

Carson led 28-6 after one, much to the delight of coach Brooke Misenheimer.

“After waiting around, I was pleased with the effort and execution,” she said. “That’s a long time to lose your focus and get your mind on other things.”

Statesville’s highlight was a 2-0 lead. Monroe and Dulkoski immediately hit 3s. Tyesha Phillips and Allison Blackwell went inside for buckets and Sarrah Holman swished a 3 of her own.

“We came out with a lot of energy,” Misenheimer said.

Holman was active early. She followed her trey with a corner jumper. She then made a beautiful feed to Allen and it was 22-4.

“They played well, just like they always do,” shrugged Statesville coach Adrienne Long.

The lead blossomed to 50-12 by halftime and Misenheimer got to use all of her subs and jayvee call-ups.

Allen’s 13 points came on drives and power moves. Suzanna Stirewalt scored four points, as did quick Megan Gray. Katherine Barringer and Paris Parks also put points on the board.

“It’s great to have games like this where everyone can contribute,” Misenheimer smiled. “Everybody has worked throughout the year and deserves to play.”

It was also a quick way to forget last week’s loss to North Iredell.

“We were itchy to get back out there,” Misenheimer said.

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NOTE: The teams agreed to a running clock in the second half.

STATESVILLE (19) — Wright 6, Elliott 5, Arnette 2, Joyner 2, McKinney 2, Hairston 2.

CARSON (75) — Monroe 15, Dulkoski 13, Allen 13, Holman 9, Blackwell 8, Phillips 6, Gray 4, Stirewalt 4, Barringer 2, Parks 1, Cole, Van Voorhis.

Statesville 6 6 0 7 — 19

Carson 28 22 14 11 — 75