The two-time defending state champion Myrtle Beach High girls team got a rare experience Friday night – a close game.
After beating Lake City twice already this Season, the Lady Seahawks (11-2) had to battle to make the third time the charm, edging the visiting Lady Panthers 54-48.
It was a little easier when we beat them the first two times, but it’s better for us when it’s close,” Myrtle Beach coach Brian Kiper said. “The girls learn a lot more from it when they have to battle, and they had to battle hard tonight.”
After a tight game through three quarters, the Lady Seahawks started the fourth without their star player on the court. Khadijah Sessions sat out the first 3 minutes of the final frame to rest up for the stretch run.
Lake City pulled within two at 41-39, and then it was “Special K” time. Sessions hit a pair of free throws and turned a three-point play to push the lead back to 46-39.
Lake City got as close as 51-48 on a late 3-point but Sessions sealed the deal down the stretch with a layup and free throw.
Sessions finished with 22 points and teammate Tanisha Brown added 16. The Lady Seahawks travel to Conway on Saturday before opening region play Tuesday at Wilson.
* Boys: Myrtle Beach blew a big early lead and suffered a 50-49 loss to Lake City on Friday night.
The Seahawks used a 14-1 run in the first quarter to take a double-digit lead but then scored only four points in the second period. They had scored only two points until Solomon Cooper’s basket at the buzzer gave them a 22-19 halftime advantage, but. the Seahawks went on to squander the early advantage in the final frame.
Myrtle Beach, which was playing without injured leading scorer E.J. Goings, was led by Tramond Wilson’s 14 points. T.J. Jones came off the bench to score 10 points.
The Seahawks return to action Saturday against Conway.
