Devony Hemingway, Nikki Devincentis and Teisha Rich would lead the Leopards in scoring Wednesday. Their top scores would assists in Lakewood’s 46-23 rout over North Duplin.

“It was a real hard fought game,” said Lakewood’s head coach Lofton Kerr. “They (North Duplin) have improved since the last time we saw them, but it was a good positive win for us. I was real proud of the ladies, they did a good job.”

The Leopards “good job” would start when Hemingway and Rich would move Lakewood into double digits within the first few minutes of the game.

Lakewood’s Devincentis and Brittany Boykin would each contribute another two for a mid-quarter 14-point boost over the Rebels.

With 3:48 left in the first quarter, North Duplin would finally find themselves on the board with two-points.

Although the lady Rebels would sink another bucket before the first quarter buzzer, contributions from Lakewood’s Bianca Moore, Boykin, Aquetta Robinson and Katie Stewart would push the Leopards ahead 22-4.

With Lakewood’s reserves hitting the court early in the second quarter, North Duplin would increase with an early basket; however, with still 6 minutes to shed before the half, the Leopards starting lineup would retake the floor for a 28-10 halftime advance.

Following the break, the lady Leopards would move up an extra 11-points, while North Duplin would increase by only nine-points.

Early into the fourth quarter, Lakewood would push their score to 42, while holding the Rebels at 19-points.

North Duplin would eventually see an extra four points down the stretch, but Lakewood would take the win 46-23.

Leaders for the Leopards were Hemingway with 11 points; Devincentis with 9 points; Rich with 7 points; both Boykin and Moore would contribute 4 points; Tasha Rich had 5 points; and Robinson, Stewart and Jache Servance were credited for 2 points each.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com