Staff reportBubbles Phifer made 10 steals to lead Salisbury’s girls basketball team to a 51-30 win against Mount Tabor in the Papa Johns Headliner Classic held at High Point Central on Saturday.
The tournament showcased eight of the state’s top girls basketball programs, and the Hornets (3-0) didn’t disappoint. They dismantled a 4A power that went 24-2 last season. Salisbury’s defense held the Spartans to 10 points in the second half.”We did a very good job of fronting the post and putting pressure on the ball,” Salisbury coach Andrew Mitchell said.
Phifer, a senior guard, also had 11 points, six rebounds and five assists in a fine all-round effort.
Jessica Heilig enjoyed a strong game ó 10 points and 10 rebounds ó before leaving with a hip injury (not serious) early in the fourth quarter. Ayanna Holmes had eight points, four assists and three steals. Ashia Holmes also had eight points.
Salisbury performed without post player Olivia Rankin (wisdom tooth) but still dominated. Tori Woods picked up the bulk of Rankin’s minutes and contributed six points.
Salisbury limited Milessa Calicott and Gabby Oglesby, Mount Tabor’s top returning scorers, to a combined 10 points.
“Just a strong effort,” Mitchell said. “This was a very good win for us.”
Mount Tabor fell to 2-2.
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NOTES: The Hornets are scheduled to play Tuesday (West Rowan), Wednesday (NW Cabarrus) and Friday (East Rowan), but Salisbury’s football team is in the fourth round of the 2AA playoffs, making all scheduled basketball games tentative. Mitchell doesn’t expect the Hornets to play Tuesday, and he’s headed for the football game in Newton-Conover on Friday. SALISBURY (51) ó Phifer 11, Heilig 10, As. Holmes 8, Ay. Holmes 8, Woods 6, Miller 4, Richardson 2, Allison 2, Feamster, Lebowitz.
MOUNT TABOR (30) ó Gibson 8, Calicott 6, Oglesby 4, Stokes 4, Palmer 4, Lane 3, Mitchell 1.
Salisbury 21 7 14 9 ó 51
Mount Tabor 10 10 4 6 ó 30