By Ronnie Gallagher

Salisbury Post

MOUNT ULLA — His team was up 24-16 when Bob Blake decided it was time for a little pep talk with his West Rowan girls.

Most coaches would be happy with an eight-point lead early in the third quarter, but this was hapless Mooresville, after all.

“Our intensity was lacking at that point,” said Blake, not elaborating on exactly what words he used. “I thought they needed some motivation.

“Whatever I said worked.”

It worked to the tune of a

20-4 run. Blake finally sat down and enjoyed the rest of the game, which turned out to be a 64-27 North Piedmont Conference rout.

The best part, Blake pointed out, was who led his second-half charge.

The reserves.

Katie Cox, Meagan Stout and Elizabeth Kraft lifted their games after Blake’s little speech.

Cox ended up leading the Falcons (7-5, 1-2) with 13 points, all but two coming in the second half. Stout scored all eight of her points during that span. Kraft scored all five of her points in the fourth.

“I’ll tell you what, in the second half our subs were a lot better than their subs,” Blake said.

“Cox will be our only returning inside player next year. She likes to score. Stout did a good job. And Elizabeth is our defensive stopper, but from 10 feet, she can spot up and be pretty effective.”

Another bench player hitting double figures was Erin Foster, who scored 10. When the speedy Foster and Peyton Sawyer were in the backcourt together, the Falcons flourished.

Mooresville (0-3, 1-12) did not flourish in any area, and coach Preston Harris knows why.

“We’re a poorly coached team,” he said matter-of-factly. “That’s the best comment I can make. It’s nobody’s fault but mine.”

He’s being too hard on himself. He kept the Blue Devils in the game until Blake had seen enough.

“I was frustrated with how we were missing easy shots,” he said. We had opportunity after opportunity inside and we were shooting everything short. I don’t know why.”

But every victory is a good victory.

“We just had fun tonight,” Blake said.

At least, they did after the pep talk.

Mooresville (27) — Martin 7, Harris 5, Turner 4, Howard 4, Butner 3, DeLaughter 2, Drawdy 1, Sturdivant 1.

west rowan (64) — Cox 13, Turner 10, Foster 10, Stout 8, Kraft 5, Taylor 4, Sawyer 4, Adams 4, Graham 3, Simmons 3, Izze.

Mooresville 5 7 8 7 — 27

W. Rowan 11 11 17 25 — 64

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Contact Ronnie Gallagher at 704-797-4287 or rgallagher@salisburypost.com.