The Lakewood Leopards began their home season in girls basketball on Tuesday night when they welcomed the Midway Lady Leopards.

Midway took the game by a score of 54-46, in a back and forth battle.

It was a hot start for the Lady Raiders, as Taylor Faircloth made her first 3 shots, all from 3 point range, with Leah Williams and Logan Baggett knocking down shots from outside as well. This allowed the Lady Raiders to jump out to an 18-13 first quarter lead.

They extended their lead to 29-21 in the second quarter, thanks to strong bench play from everyone who came in.

In the third, however, the Lady Leps began to make a little run. Justina Henry and Briana Evans each clogged up the passing lanes, then got out in transition to score some easy points for Lakewood. After the third quarter, the Midway lead was cut down to 41-37.

Midway was able to put the game away in the fourth quarter thanks to some key baskets down the stretch from Williams and Baggett.

Williams led the MHS scoring with 12 points, Faircloth had 11 and freshman JJ Sankey made a good debut, scoring 7 points.

For Lakewood, Henry led the scoring with 14 points. Briana Evans added 12 and Chanel McLellan had 10.

“I thought it was good for us tonight, with it being our first game, to play this well,” asserted Midway’s head coach Brian Wallum after the game. “We got strong play from our freshmen tonight, and I was glad to see that. It’s the first time they’ve played together, so I thought it was a solid outing for the girls,” he concluded.

Lakewood’s head coach Vonnie McNeal was pleased with the way her team fought in the second half. “I really liked the way we competed tonight,” said McNeal. “We are pleased with the way we played in the second half, we just got behind early and that did us in.”

Lakewood is set to play next against Union, at home on Friday night. Midway is set to make their home debut on Thursday when the Lady Hawks of Triton are set to come to town.

By Adam Capps

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Midway’s Leah Williams handles the ball at the top of the key while Lady Leopard Briana Evans defends
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_DSC_0016.jpgMidway’s Leah Williams handles the ball at the top of the key while Lady Leopard Briana Evans defends