Prep Basketball: West Rowan girls 64, West Iredell 42

By Jordan Honeycutt

sports@salisburypost.com

MOUNT ULLA — It was deja-vu for West Rowan Monday as it posted a 64-42 victory over West Iredell–– a team they had defeated a mere four nights ago.

That game last Thursday was sloppy and up in the air for much of the contest, however on Monday, the Falcons left zero doubt.

West blasted the hapless Warriors with jumpers from the wing and patented dribble drives to the hoop.

“We did what we needed to do tonight,” West Rowan coach Todd McNeely said. “They played us well up there in Statesville on senior night but tonight we executed better and much more effort.”

Center Shay Steele led the way, as she usually does, with 14 points and countless swats of the diminutive Warriors.

The Falcons also received stellar play from the bench, as McNeely was able to rest his starters for much of the second half.

Alison Dutton had 12 points of West Rowan’s 18 off the bench.

“Bench was big tonight,” McNeely said. “We know what they have and we spread it around out there and didn’t let them bother us with our second unit out there.”

The Warriors were hoping to spark the beginning of a “Cinderella” run––but the slipper just wouldn’t fit.

A dejected Phil Fox, coach of West Iredell, was a bit lost for words after his team’s season had ended.

“I just hate it for my seniors because I know how hard they work and they deserve to go out better than this, but I think going forward our future looks bright and we will just have to keep working,” Fox sighed.

One star that always shines bright in the Warrior universe and did once again, is that of freshman Elizabeth Webb.

Webb poured in 20 points and fought her way through traps, man-to-man and double teams to get herself open looks.

Senior workhorse Chelsea Ellis did her best to battle the rangy Steele inside, collecting 15 rebounds to go with her 10 points.

While the book on the 2011-12 West Iredell team is closed––the Falcons hope there is another chapter to be written.

They advance to the semifinals of the NPC Tournament Thursday in Statesville for another matchup with juggernaut Carson.

“We know what they have and we have played them tough twice already this year and had a chance both times,” McNeely said. “We just have to really focus on executing and not let their quickness get to us as much this time.”

WEST ROWAN (64) — Steele 14, Dutton 12, Barber 9, Dixon 8, Miller 8, Sobotaka 7, Edwards 3, James 3, Alessandrini, Cross, Hunter, Ramsue.

WEST IREDELL (42) — Webb 20, Ellis 10, Gaines 8, Feimster 3, Dagenhart 1, Coleman, Frye, Rambo, Snouse.

W. Iredell 06 09 10 17 — 42

W. Rowan 17 17 20 10 — 64