Ladies First, Part 2 features North Augusta vs Cross Creek

 

Graphic via Brandi Grubbs - @CSRABball on Facebook

The North Augusta Lady Yellow Jackets have not lost a game against an area team in five years. The four-time repeat class 4A state champion started its attempt at a “five-peat” campaign Tuesday with a commanding 57-28 victory over River Bluff, a class 5A quarter finalist a season ago.

Meanwhile, North Augusta’s opponent for tonight, Cross Creek, the #4 ranked team in Georgia’s class 3A, tipped things off Tuesday with an equally impressive 55-39 win over Josey, Georgia’s #4 ranked class 2A squad.

Tonight’s “Ladies First Part 2” showcase game between the Lady Razorbacks and the Lady Yellow Jackets have all of the ingredients to be the best girls basketball game of the season:

Senior Leadership

Jordyn Dorsey - Cross Creek (above)

The area’s only two players who signed a national letter of intent during the early signing period will lead each unit. Jordyn Dorsey, who Cross Creek head coach Kim Schlein thinks will set a new all time scoring record for her school, inked with North Carolina A&T. Dorsey scored 25 points, making 5 three pointers in the first half, in the win.

Kiana Lee - North Augusta (above)

Meanwhile, Dorsey’s senior counterpart, signed with Francis Marion during the early period. Lee, a three time state champion, led all scorers with 22 points in North Augusta’s season opening win.

Midseason Form

Both teams appear to have begun the season at a full sprint. North Augusta’s heralded defense only allowed River Bluff to score in double digits in one of the four quarters Tuesday. And when you count Cross Creek’s preseason game win against Evans, the Lady Razorbacks have knocked down 17 three pointer in only two games.

Also, in addition to Dorsey and Lee, Cross Creek has gotten impressive production from junior Erin Martin and freshman Michaela Bogans. North Augusta, on the other hand, can rely on P’eris Smith, who has been a key contributor on two state title teams already, even though she’s only a sophomore.

Michaela Bogans - Freshman - Cross Creek (above)

You can tell Cross Creek head coach Kim Schlein is excited about the opportunity to visit the area’s reigning champion in their new arena by her answers to these questions...

... about the importance of playing the best competition early in the season ahead of region play:

Kim Schlein:

Absolutely we have to play strong teams to improve and learn.

... about whether this game is extra special because of the reputation and resume North Augusta has amassed during its historic run:

Kim Schlein:

This is big because we have to prove to everyone that we can beat the best! To be the best, you have to beat the best!! I believe we have something very special this year!

... about whether there is something extra special about her four-year starter and all-state dynamo Jordyn as a senior:

Kim Schlein:

She’s being more of a leader and she wants to win it all! The pressure is off of her since she signed already! Now all she is focusing on is grades and basketball!

... and about her team’s three-point shooting barrage in the first weeks of the season:

Kim Schlein:

The thing is; now we have 3 shooters being Erin Martin, Michaela and Jordyn! It’s easy to focus on 1 scorer but when you have 3, the defense has to work even harder! It opens up a while new offense for us!

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