By Michael Lindsay
The Cumberland County Lady Jets locked in third place in District 7AAA Friday night as they completed the season sweep of #5 White County, 49-36.
“We’re really proud of the girls for bouncing back from last week,” said Lady Jet head coach Kim Cram-Torres. “We knew we wanted to get that third spot. Being in the top 4 of the district is important to get that (tournament) game at home. It’s more than just finishing third; it’s finishing with confidence and on a high note.”
Cumberland County (20-7, 8-4) was led by 17 points from junior forward Jalynn Baldwin and 16 from senior point guard Emery Baragona. White County (21-9, 8-4) was led by senior Nia Powers, who scored 15.
“It was a physical game,” Cram-Torres said. “White County is very tough, and we matched that.”
Cumberland County held a 14-9 lead over the Warriorettes after the first quarter. The Lady Jets pushed their advantage to 7 points (24-17) via an Aliyah Hawkins three-pointer with 2:47 left in the second period. The Lady Jets led 27-19 at halftime.
Cumberland County took control of the early portions of the second half as three straight Baldwin baskets gave CCHS a 33-19 lead with 5:30 left in the third quarter. The Lady Jets led 44-25 after three periods before finishing with a 49-36 victory.
White County wrapped up their regular season with the game while Cumberland County hosts Clarkrange (20-9, 5-3) Saturday evening.
“I like playing Clarkrange; they’re tough and Lamar always has his players ready to go,” Cram-Torres said. “It’ll be a great game to shoot us into tournament play. It’ll be senior night and a great opportunity to celebrate our seniors.”
Cumberland County (49): Jalynn Baldwin 17, Emery Baragona 16, Aliyah Hawkins 10, Abby Houston 6
White County (36): Nia Powers 15, Celeste Reed 6, Pyper Price 4, Ava Jones 3, Bella Winningham 3, Lakelyn Gratsy 3, KK McDonald 2
