Staff report

SALISBURY — Salisbury’s girls basketball team racked up its second win against a 4A school in a three-day span by beating Greensboro Ben L. Smith, 51-35, on Saturday in the SHS gym.
Sophomore Bryanna Troutman scored 19 points and dominated the paint, while junior Maria Capito added 15 points.
Salisbury (3-1) beat Lake Norman at home on Thursday easily and got off to a very fast start against Smith’s Eagles. The Hornets’ lead hit double digits early.
At halftime, the Hornets (3-1) were still in control, 25-13, but then Smith’s Golden Eagles (3-1) made a strong run in the third quarter to put some pressure on the home team.
With six minutes left, the Hornets’ lead was down to 33-31 when Capito got loose for a layup.
With the lead at 35-33, Troutman responded from the foul line.
Then the Hornets re-established control with their aggressive defense. Mariah Glenn got a huge transition layup off a steal to push the lead to 39-33 with 3:44 remaining.
Two more Troutman free throws and a Jinika Glenn free throw made it 42-33, and the Hornets were out of danger.
The Hornets poured it on the visitors in the final minutes. Capito, who made two 3-pointers, put in several more layups.
Salisbury outscored Smith, 18-5, in the final period.
Harmony Fletcher scored 17 points for Smith.
It’s the first 3-1 start for the Salisbury girls since they had a strong team in 2011-12.
Salisbury hosts South Rowan (3-0) next Thursday.

Salisbury 51, Greensboro Smith 35

SMITH (35)
Fletcher 17, D. Jackson 8, Sturdivant 4, S. Jackson 2, McCullough 2, Connor 2.
SALISBURY (51)
Troutman 19, Capito 15, Fulson 7, Alexander 5, J. Glenn 2, M. Glenn 2, Phifer 1, Daniels.

Smith 6 13 11 5 — 35
Salisbury 14 11 8 18 — 51