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BY C.Y. PETERS

The Happy Valley Lady Warriors began their holiday season with a hard-fought victory in the Carvers Bay Girls Christmas Showcase in Hemingway, South Carolina. Facing off against the 3A Georgetown Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Warriors edged out a thrilling 27-26 win in a defensive battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The game was a testament to grit and teamwork, as neither team gained more than a three-point advantage at any point. The Lady Warriors came out strong in the first quarter, led by senior Josephine Zeoli, who scored six points to give Happy Valley a narrow three-point lead heading into the second quarter. However, the Lady Bulldogs responded with their own surge, fueled by their athleticism and size, to claim a two-point lead at halftime.

“We knew it was going to be a tough matchup,” said head coach Dana Hill. “They were a very athletic team, and their size gave us some challenges, but our defensive and rebounding effort really made the difference.”

The third quarter saw the Lady Warriors rally once more. Ashlynn Sommers came alive offensively, scoring all five of her points in the period to help Happy Valley regain a slim two-point edge heading into the final frame. Meanwhile, Shaniece Gardner anchored the defensive effort, grabbing four of her team-leading 10 rebounds in the quarter to limit Georgetown’s second-chance opportunities.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the intensity ratcheting up as the clock ticked down. Each possession carried weight as the game hung in the balance. With just 0.3 seconds left and the score tied, senior Cayden Anderson found herself at the free-throw line with the game on her shoulders. Showing composure beyond her years, Anderson sank the first free throw, giving the Lady Warriors the decisive point.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything except following through,” Anderson said with a smile. “Coach always tells us to trust our mechanics, and I just took a deep breath and did what I’ve practiced a thousand times.”

Anderson finished as the team’s leading scorer with eight points, followed by Zeoli with six, Sommers with five, Alex Moore with four, and Gardner with three. Each player contributed key moments to the victory, from Moore’s crucial offensive rebound and putback in the fourth quarter to Anderson’s clutch three-pointer in the second quarter when the Lady Warriors were struggling offensively.

“Great effort by everyone,” said Coach Hill. “We had different players step up at key moments, and that’s what it takes to win close games like this. Josie got us going early, Ashlynn gave us a spark in the third, and Alex made a big play late in the game. And of course, Cayden stepped up when it mattered most. I’m proud of the way all eight players contributed and battled.”

The Lady Warriors now look ahead to two more challenging games against St. James and Andrews to round out the tournament on Monday. With their confidence bolstered by the thrilling victory, the Happy Valley squad is eager to continue their run and make a mark in South Carolina.

“We’re taking it one game at a time,” said Coach Hill. “But this win shows the resilience and heart of this team. We’re excited for the next challenge.”

As the Lady Warriors prepare for their next matchups, one thing is clear: Their holiday trip has already become a season highlight, and the team’s bond and determination are stronger than ever.

 

HV: 6 3 10 7 — 27
Carvers: 3 8 6 8 — 26

Happy Valley: Moore 4, Anderson 8, Zeoli 6, Sommers 5, Gardner 3.
Carvers: Davis 1, Ward 2, Gaston 16, Johnson 2, Holmes 2, Morris 2.