By Megan Crotty
sports@salisburypost.com
CLIMAX ó Salisbury’s girls basketball team jumped out to a 27-2 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, leading by as many as 39 in the second in a 79-31 win over Providence Grove.
Andrew Mitchell’s Hornets put five players in double figures. They seemed to intimidate the Patriots.
“Our psyche played a factor,” Patriots coach Patrick Stover said. “We came out flatter than we ever have and had more turnovers than we’ve seen all season. Salisbury is extremely athletic.”
Kristie Langley was the only Providence Grove player in double figures with 11 points, while Erin Mixon added nine. The Patriots (5-9, 10-14) enter the CCC Tournament as the No. 6 seed and, therefore, will be on the road in Tuesday’s first round.
Shi-Heria Shipp led the Hornets (12-2, 21-2) with 16 points, while Bubbles Phifer added 14 and De’Rya Wylie 12. Ayanna Holmes and Isis Miller each scored 10 points. It was a career-best for Miller.
Salisbury is the No. 2 seed in the CCC tournament behind undefeated East Davidson.
salisbury (79) ó Shipp 16, B. Phifer 14, Wylie 12, Ay. Holmes 10, Miller 10, Heilig 6, As. Holmes 5, Rice 4, Young 2, N. Phifer 1, Clinding.
providence grove (31) ó Langley 11, Mixon 9, Hardin 6, Staley 2, Matthews 2, Haithcock 1.
Salisbury 27 15 18 19 ó 79
P. Grove 2 9 15 5 ó 31