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Big third period carries Liberty past Long
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Liberty County’s girls basketball team evened its record at 1-1 after beating Long County 57-46 on Saturday.
Kourtney Alexander led the Lady Panthers with 15 points.
Brittany Mills paced Long County in its season opener with 14 points.
The Lady Panthers took over the game in the third period, outscoring the Blue Tide 13-4. Freshman Diamone Johnson led Liberty with five points during the surge.
“Kourtney Alexander played extremely well tonight and (Friday against Beach),” Liberty coach Carolyn Kelly said. “I’m also happy with Diamone Johnson’s play.
“Diamone is a true freshman, and she is bringing a lot of aggressiveness to the team.”
Long held a 19-13 first-
quarter lead before Alexander nailed a 3-pointer as the period ended.
In the second period, Alexander tallied eight points during a 10-2 Liberty run in the opening 5 minutes. Long, however, led by Brenda Collins, came storming back and was only down 33-32 at intermission.
Johnson’s big third period helped Liberty earn a 46-36 lead heading into the last eight minutes. Candace Barham had four fourth-quarter points to help Liberty stay in control.
Long coach Ryan Bailey
said Shanetra Quarterman’s absence in the third quarter because of foul trouble proved costly.
“She’s a heck of a defender and can score, too,” Bailey said. “Not having her hurt us.”
The coach added, “Overall, I’m pleased with the team’s effort. We made too many mistakes, but that goes along with it being the first game of the season.”
In the junior varsity game, Liberty beat Long 61-12.
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