Stellar defense has been imperative to a four-game winning streak for the Silverdale Baptist Academy girls' basketball team, which has yet to unleash star post player Laney Bone, the recent Buffalo signee who is working her way back from injury.
The Lady Seahawks, who are the back-to-back reigning champions in Division II-A District 2, continued that effort in Thursday's league opener, a 44-40 home win over rival Notre Dame in which they held the Lady Fighting Irish to 28 points through the first three quarters.
Silverdale has shown significant improvement after allowing 117 points to McMinn Central and Whitwell to open the season. In recent wins over Walker Valley, Catoosa County's Heritage, East Hamilton and now Notre Dame, coach Victor Underwood's team has allowed an average of only 35 points per game.
Silverdale (4-2) jumped out to a 16-8 lead in the first quarter behind strong play from Tori and Tessa Gibson. Tessa also hit clutch free throws late as she finished with 11 points, and Becca Lamb nailed a pair of 3-pointers as the home team put up 17 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Notre Dame guard Kenzie Campbell was sharp, leading all scorers with 14 points.
Sonoraville 74, Rockmart 62: Alex Geary had six 3-pointers en route to a game-high 30 points to lead the lady Phoenix to the GHSA Region 6-AAA win. Abby Chambers added 17 points, including 10 in a 25-15 first-quarter edge for Sonoraville (2-1, 1-0).
Boyd Buchanan 58, Tyner 34: Dani Reeves and Jalisa Sanders filled the stat sheet in the Lady Buccaneers' victory. Reeves had 16 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Sanders added 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals.
BOYS' BASKETBALL
Boyd Buchanan 50, Tyner 47: The Buccaneers (3-0) shot past the Rams with a 19-point fourth quarter to close out an impressive home victory. Caden Johnson led Boyd Buchanan with 15 points, while Ryan Lopez and 6-foot-7 freshman Ace Bailey contributed nine and eight points, respectively. Karson Gay played well in the post with seven rebounds and three assists in the win, and Bailey and Johnson each had four steals.
Compiled by Patrick MacCoon and Lindsey Young. Contact MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon. Contact Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.