After flying high against the Corinth Holders Pirates last Friday, the Willow Spring Storm came back down to earth. Willow Spring lost to Panther Creek on the road by a decisive 63-49 margin on Monday.
Willow Spring's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Taylor Gray, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 14 rebounds. Gray continues to roll, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Amanda Mitchell was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds.
Even though they lost, Willow Spring were working as a unit and finished the game with 15 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Panther Creek only racked up six assists.
Panther Creek's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Taylor Barner led the charge by scoring 33 points along with six rebounds and two steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Barner has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Tucker, who scored 19 points along with two steals.
Willow Spring's defeat ended a 16-game streak of away wins and brought them to 12-3. As for Panther Creek, they pushed their record up to 10-4 with that win, which was their 24th straight at home.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Willow Spring will take on Fuquay - Varina at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Hopefully Fuquay - Varina focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 11 last Friday. As for Panther Creek, their homestand continues as they prepare to take on Holly Springs at 6:00 p.m. on January 19th. Holly Springs has now lost eight straight, and the team is hunting for their first win since December 8.
