Andrews – The Andrews girls varsity basketball team had an eventful week where they defeated Robbinsville and Smoky Mountain in close, hard-fought wins. Senior Kylie Donaldson also reached the 1,000-point mark in her high school career Friday night.
The Lady Wildcats started their week by hosting Robbinsville and winning 56-54. The Lady Black Knights were their second Big Smoky Mountain Conference opponent this season and first SMC win.
Seconds into the game, Knox Davis got the scoring started on a three-pointer. Minutes later, Robbinsville took the lead, but Andrews made another three to get it back. Two minutes later, Robbinsville took the lead that they would maintain most of the game.
In the seconds quarter, the Lady Wildcats got the lead back on a Kylie Donaldson three-pointer. Then Drea Cutshaw made a layup to extend their lead. They held Robbinsville scoreless for the first two minutes of the second quarter, but then Robbinsville stormed back to take the lead once again. After scoring late, Robbinsville took a 30-24 lead into halftime.
Both teams continued to score coming out of the half, but late in the third quarter the shots were not falling for the Lady Wildcats. Robbinsville took a 42-35 lead into the action-packed fourth quarter.
1:30 into the fourth quarter, Robbinsville extended their lead to 10, then after both teams continued scoring Robbinsville took another big lead. With about three minutes left in the quarter, Andrews brought it to within four points.
Alexis Beasley converted a free throw to bring the game within one-point, then Chanteah Rattler made a shot to give Andrews the lead. Robbinsville immediately got the lead back late in the game.
With 1:08 left, the building erupted as Beasley was heading back to the free throw line in the close game. She converted one free throw to tie it up. Then Cutshaw made a layup to give them the late lead.
With 36.2 seconds left, Robbinsville picked up an offensive rebound and made the layup to tie the game. With 11.6 seconds left, Cutshaw was fouled and headed to the charity stripe with the game on the line. She converted both shots to give the Lady Cats a two-point lead. As the clock counted down, the Lady Cats defended well to win the game.
Loss to Highlands
On Wednesday, Andrews hit the road for Highlands, where they lost 48-41.
Highlands took an early lead, then maintained their momentum to lead 26-20 at halftime. Coming out of the half, Andrews outscored the Lady Highlanders to only trail 36-33 heading into the final frame.
Highlands outscored the Lady Cats 12-8 in the fourth quarter to win the game 48-41.
Winning at home
The Lady Wildcats returned home on Friday and defeated Smoky Mountain by one-point for their second win over the Lady Mustangs this season.
Smoky Mountain got out to an early 16-10 lead heading into the second quarter. Andrews outscored them in the second quarter, but trailed 25-22 heading into halftime.
In the second half, Andrews stormed back to take the lead. They scored 19 points in the third quarter and 15 in the fourth quarter to win the close game 56-55.
In the second quarter, Donaldson made a two-point bucket to reach the 1,000-point mark in her high school career. She was given the game ball and a banner celebrating her achievement that only few accomplish.
Donaldson ended the game with 18 points.
Up next
When they return from break, the Lady Wildcats will host Franklin on Thursday, Jan. 9, then head to Hiwassee Dam on Friday, Jan. 10.