Strong second half start lifts Lady Canes in tourney opener

The Cartersville Lady Canes rallied in the second half Monday to defeat Sandy Creek 49-48 at the Carrollton High School Christmas Tournament.

Sandy Creek led 16-5 after one quarter and was up 26-20 at halftime before Cartersville made a comeback.

The Lady Canes outscored the Patriots 13-6 in the third quarter to take a 33-32 lead and then held on in the final eight minutes for a one point win.

"Our team is finally learning how to deal with adversity," said Cartersville head coach Karisma Boykin following the win. "Pushing through it, holding each other accountable! Sometimes it’s hard playing on the road, we just have to learn to play all four quarters. Our first quarter has been our weakest. We've got to turn that around and we will."

Ansley Griffin scored 16 points and KK Arnold poured in 14 to lead the Cartersville scoring attack. Senai Camper finished with seven points. Jakayah Draughn scored four. Nayel Camper and Zoe Casey contributed three points each. Taff Bradley added two for the Lady Canes.

Janae Walker scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Lady Patriots. Jaylyn Durham added 14 for Sandy Creek (8-4).

The tournament continues Tuesday at Carrollton High School for Cartersville (5-2) when the Lady Canes play Harris County at 11:30 a.m.