By Matt Kline
Special Correspondent
CHARLOTTE- Raleigh Word of God Christian Academy held Hobgood Academy to
single digits in each of the first three quarters and withstood a late
rally to defeat the Lady Raiders 34-27 in an NCISAA 1A girl's semifinal at
Charlotte Latin Friday night.
The Lady Rams advance to the state title game against Wayne Country Day at
Latin Saturday at 6pm.
After a tight first quarter that saw Word of God (16-7) lead just 7-4,
Nadine Ealey took over in the second. Ealey scored seven of the Lady Rams
nine points in the quarter and helped extend the lead to 16-8 at the break.
The lead was extended further in the third, as Hobgood (25-3) was held to
only one field goal while Katelyn Rochester scored seven points and Word of
God led 27-13.
Hobgood would not go down without a rally. The Lady Raiders, led by
Schuyler Edmondson and Jamie Vanderford's five points each, cut the lead to
33-24 with 1:33 left. After forcing a Word of God turnover, a Vanderford
shot from inside the paint was blocked by Viviprici Eniodi, and Word of God
would go on to the victory.
Ealey led Word of God with 12 points while Rochester added 10. Hobgood was
led by Edmondson, who was their only player in double figures with 10.
Word of God 34, Hobgood Academy 27
Word of God 7 9 11 7 34
Hobgood 4 4 5 14 27
Word of God: Eniodi 2, Rochester 10, Morrison 5, Ealey 12, Lewis 3, Evans
2.
Hobgood: Boyd 2, Stewart 2, Edmondson 10, Roberson 2, Vanderford 5, Sykes 6
