With two seconds left and the score knotted at 36 in West Hall’s game against Chestatee on Tuesday night at North Hall High, the Lady Spartans’ Jayla Moon was 2-for-12 shooting.
An offensive rebound and putback later she had not only given her team a 2-point win, at 38-36, but also increased her shooting percentage from 16 to 23 percent.
"I knew she’d make the winning shot," West Hall (4-3) coach Lynn Jarrett said while heading into the locker room to congratulate her team. "She might not make any others, but I knew she’d make that one."
Six straight points by Chestatee (1-4) sophomore shooting guard Brooke Peck gave her team a seven-point lead with seven minutes to go in the game.
West Hall held the Lady War Eagles to just one more field goal the remainder of the game, however, as they came storming back.
Moon hit two free throws to pull her team within two points at 36-34, and then Bailey Soucie’s steal and layup with 1:40 left in the game tied it at 36.
Chestatee failed to convert on its ensuing possession, giving West Hall the ball back with enough time to call a timeout and set up what would be the winning shot.
"We set up a play but really talked about going to the offensive boards," Jarrett said. "We wanted to execute well and felt like, if nothing else, we could at least get to the free throw line."
Free throws weren’t necessary as Moon did exactly what her coach asked in going for the offensive rebound, and with the made putback, gave her team the win.
"We talked with the girls during practice this week that we needed to get everyone involved in the offense because Jayla (Moon) isn’t always going to have 20 points," Jarrett said.
"We could have folded tents when we got down but we didn’t. It was a great team effort and I’m proud of the girls."
Moon led all scorers with 10 points, Amber Johnson added eight for the Lady Spartans.
Chestatee was led by Peck’s eight points while Rachel Kelley contributed seven.
The Lady Spartans return to action at 6 p.m. Monday when they play host to Habersham Central.
Chestatee next plays at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Lumpkin County.
Flowery Branch boys 52, Chestatee 49
Down by two points with 40 seconds to go in the game, the Falcons’ Kyle Smith hit a deep 3-pointer to give his team a lead it would not relinquish in the win against Chestatee on Tuesday at North Hall High.
Smith was the team’s leading scorer with 14 points, Josh Barrett and Ishmael Hollis each added 10.
Chestatee was led by Branden Smith who had 16 points and Jackson Chandler who had 12.
The Falcons return to action at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19 when it travels to Winder-Barrow. Chestatee travels to Lumpkin County to take on the Indians at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Lakeview girls 41, Johnson 25
The Lady Lions held Johnson to just 18 points over three quarters, while amassing 34 themselves, en route to a victory Tuesday night at North Hall High.
With the game tied at seven after one quarter, Lakeview’s offense kicked into gear led by Louisa Jacobs’ 17 points and Maddie Haymore’s 14.
Lakeview’s defense not only shined in holding Johnson to 25 points, but didn’t allow on Lady Knight to score in double figures.
Johnson was led by Shelley Farley’s eight points.
Lakeview next plays at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 against Athens Christian at home. Johnson returns to action at 1:15 p.m. Dec. 17 when it takes on Harris County at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Gainesville boys 72, East Hall 56
Gainesville dominated the boards and the scoreboard en route to a 16-point win Tuesday night at North Hall High.
The loss marked the first time in over five years that East Hall has lost two straight to Hall County teams.
Led by George Manomano’s game-high 29 points and 13 rebounds, Gainesville outscored East Hall 21-14 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Gainesville sophomore A.J. Johnson only scored two points but did his part in the win, grabbing 12 rebounds.
Nick Johnson added 10 points for the Red Elephants.
East Hall was led by Kiante Young who had 17 points and Kymmon Woods who contributed 16 points.
Gainesville returns to action at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3 when it plays host to Buford. East Hall next plays at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19 against Wesleyan in the North Georgia College-Achasta Challenge at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega.