A pair of freshmen led the way as Lee defeated scrappy Brescia University 70-54 in a non-conference contest on Saturday afternoon in Walker Arena. The victory improves the Lady Flames' record to 3-0 on the year, while the visiting Bearcats slipped to 2-5.
Erin Walsh, who played her high school ball at Knox Bearden, canned five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points to lead the Lady Flames in the comeback victory. Emileigh Swafford, who was a standout for Meigs County High School, produced a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in 27 minutes of playing time. Kayla Beavers, a former Bradley Central player and a junior for Lee, hit three treys in the second half and finished the contest with nine points.
The Lady Flames trailed 28-27 at the halftime break and recorded what coach Marty Rowe described as the worst half of basketball he had a team to play since taking the Lee position. "We've got a lot of work to do and we will get right back at it tomorrow evening at 7 p.m.," pointed out Rowe. "Our girls have to understand that we have to get much tougher and if we don't we are going to get embarrassed when we enter (GSC) play one week from Thursday. We have 10 days to make that happen."
In the opening 20 minutes, the Lady Flames shot only 30 percent from the field but more importantly recorded 14 turnovers. On the other hand, Brescia was making only 24 percent of its field goal attempts but turned the basketball over just seven times in gaining the advantage.
The Lady Flames took much better care of the basketball after the break, committing only five floor mistakes and shooting a solid 43 percent from the field. Lee's defense also stepped up and held the Bearcats to just 31 percent in the second half and 27 percent for the game.
Freshman Carrie Cheeks picked up her game in the second stanza and posted eight points to go along with six rebounds as the Lady Flames dominated the glass 55-38. Shelby Brown followed with seven points and eight rebounds.
The Brescia attack was paced by Haley Cook who carded 13 points. Darrian McNary pitched in with 12 points and five rebounds. Toni McClellan claimed a game high 15 rebounds.
"While we will be working until Wednesday before breaking for Thanksgiving, we want all our fans to come out and support our men's team on Monday night," said Rowe. The Flames will put their unbeaten 4-0 record on the line when they host unbeaten (8-0) Milligan College in a 7 p.m. non-conference affair.
