Newberry Girls’ Basketball Knocks Off Union County in Home Opener
NEWBERRY — The excitement was palpable as the Newberry High School varsity girls’ basketball team officially tipped off their 2024-25 season last week. On Friday, December 6th, fans filled the stands for their highly anticipated home opener against the Union County Yellow Jackets. After a great show of skill and determination, the lady Bulldogs (2-1) celebrated a decisive victory, defeating the lady Yellow Jackets (1-5) with a final score of 42-29.
A Slow Start
The game got off to a bit of a rocky start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The first quarter saw a defensive battle, with the two teams combining for a mere 14 points. The quarter ended in a 7-7 tie, leaving players and fans eager for a spark in the second quarter.
Yellow Jackets Take the Lead
In the second quarter, things began to heat up slightly, but it was the lady Yellow Jackets who found a way to edge ahead. They outscored the Bulldogs 10-4 in that period, bringing the halftime score to 17-11 in favor of Union County. It was clear that the lady Bulldogs had some adjustments to make if they wanted to take control of the game in the second half.
Daizee Williams Leads the Comeback
After halftime, it was game on for Newberry. The spotlight shone brightly on Daizee Williams, the junior guard who truly stepped up when her team needed her most. After a quiet first half, Williams exploded for 16 of her game-high 22 points in the second half alone. She dominated the third quarter, putting nine points on the scoreboard while propelling Newberry to a 29-21 lead by the end of the period. Talk about a turnaround!
Defensive Dominance
With the momentum on their side, the lady Bulldogs held their ground in the final quarter. Their defense tightened, allowing Union County to only score eight points in that period. The lady Bulldogs were relentless, and they refused to let their visitors claw back into the contest. Once Newberry took the lead in the third quarter at 22-20, they never looked back, sealing the deal with a comfortable win.
Team Effort Pays Off
It wasn’t just Williams making waves; Tamaria Wadsworth also played a crucial role in the victory, chipping in with eight points, all of which came during the second half. The teamwork and strong spirit displayed by the lady Bulldogs are clear indicators that this season could be a memorable one.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, the lady Bulldogs are gearing up for a busy week. They will hit the road on December 10th to take on the Chapin Eagles, before returning home on December 11th to host Irmo. But perhaps the most exciting matchup on the horizon is the rivalry showdown against Mid-Carolina, set for Friday, December 13th. Basketball fans can hardly wait to see what’s in store!
As the home crowd cheers for their lady Bulldogs, it’s clear that the team is off to a strong start, with hopes of a fantastic season on the rise!
