The Monroe Golden Tornadoes came tearing into Friday's contest with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 45.3 points) and they left with even more momentum. They strolled past Dougherty with points to spare, taking the game 62-46. Given Monroe's advantage in MaxPreps' Georgia basketball rankings (they are ranked 97th, while the Trojans are ranked 210th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
It was another big night for Kie'Aundria Acree, who dropped a double-double on 32 points and ten rebounds. Acree is crushing the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Ciarra Lunsford, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and ten rebounds.
When it comes to explaining why Dougherty lost, one person who can't be blamed is Grace P. Smith. Despite the final result, she dropped a double-double on ten points and 14 rebounds. Smith is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down nine or more in the last six games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jatiana Chambers, who scored 14 points along with eight assists and five rebounds.
Monroe has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 matches, which provided a massive bump to their 16-7 record this season. As for Dougherty, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-10.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Monroe will take on the Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Carver knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past 12 matchups -- so hopefully the Golden Tornadoes like a good challenge. As for Dougherty, they will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against the Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m.
