The Murphy Lady Bulldogs stayed busy last week with three games. They were scheduled to have four games, but their game against Gilmer County, Ga. –scheduled for Saturday – was canceled due to snow.
The Lady Dogs (5-7) picked up wins last week over Highlands (7-5) and Summit Charter (2-6), but fell to Polk County, Tenn. (6-6).
Conquers Highlands
The Lady Bulldogs defeated Highlands 33-31 to kick off their week with a close, hard-fought game at home on Jan. 6. They remained tied at six after the first quarter, but Murphy took a 14-10 lead into halftime in the low-scoring first half.
Despite Highlands outscoring the Lady Dogs 10-7 in the third quarter, the Lady Dogs took a one-point lead to the final frame. It was another close quarter as the Lady Dogs outscored Highlands 12-11 to kick off their week with a 33-31 win.
Falls to Polk County, Tenn.
On Jan. 7, they traveled to Polk County, Tenn., and lost 53-30.
They kept it close in the first quarter with the game tied at 11 through the first period. The Wildcats of Polk County took on in the second quarter to lead 24-14 at halftime.
Coming out of halftime, the Wildcats exploded for 18 points, while the Lady Dogs only scored five points in the third quarter. Both teams scored 11 points in the fourth quarter for the Wildcats to win 53-30.
Defeats Summit Charter
The Lady Bulldogs wrapped up their week with a huge win over Summit Charter 52-17.
The Lady Dogs started the game by shutting out Summit Charter in the first quarter to build an 8-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Lady Dogs exploded for 19 points to lead 27-4 at halftime.
Murphy kept the momentum going in the third quarter by adding on 16 more points, and only allowing four points for the second straight quarter, to lead 43-8 heading into the fourth.
Both teams scored nine points in the fourth for the Lady Dogs to win 52-17. Murphy was led by Emma Hensley and Ilie Smith, who both had 10 points. Julia Dockery scored eight points, while Marley Blackwell added seven.
Up next
Following their busy week last week, the Lady Dogs will return to Smoky Mountain Conference play next week.
This week, Murphy will travel to Cashiers to take on Blue Ridge Early College (4-3) on Friday, then play host to Gilmer County (7-7) at 2 p.m. Saturday.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Lady Dogs play their next Smoky Mountain Conference game when they travel to Cherokee (10-1) to take on the Lady Braves.
At press time, the Lady Bulldogs are fifth in the SMC at 0-1 in the conference and 5-7 overall. Most SMC teams have played one or two conference games, but will play more in the coming weeks.