Published: 07:03 AM, Fri Dec 14, 2012
Fayetteville Christian girls beat Trinity Christian 54-50, improve to 10-0
Fayetteville Christian forward Gabrielle Bethel said her team's strength in its 54-50 win over Trinity Christian on Thursday was its offensive attack.
"Pushing the ball and taking it to the hole," the senior said. "We did a good job of stopping them and getting them in foul trouble when we needed to."
The Warriors' uptempo offense, led by Bethel's 16 points and Jayla Bryant's 15, helped Fayetteville Christian to their 10th straight win in an undefeated start to the season.
Fayetteville Christian earned a road win, as Trinity hosted the contest at the John D. Fuller Recreational/Athletic Complex.
The Crusaders (6-1) were led by Janae Dupree's 21 points, an effort posted in part by the absence of De'Aira Smith and Chrishelle Smith, both of whom sat early in the second half with foul trouble.
Fayetteville Christian held a 25-22 lead at halftime, but the Crusaders were gaining traction until De'Aira Smith, who along with Dupree was an all-state selection from last year's NCISAA 1-A championship team, was whistled for two hand-check fouls midway through the third quarter.
Moments after De'Aira Smith sat, Chrishelle Smith earned her fourth foul defending in the lane. Chrishelle stayed in until she fouled out with 1:20 left in the quarter.
She exited with 11 points. De'Aira Smith returned in the fourth to finish with 14 points.
Fayetteville Christian staved off multiple late charges by the Crusaders, who tied the game twice in the fourth quarter on shots by Dupree.
As the clock was winding down, the Warriors held enough of a lead to force the Crusaders to foul. Fayetteville Christian guard Shamaiya Battle shone at the foul line, making four of five chances in the fourth quarter. Battle was 8-for-9 on free throws on the night. She finished with 12 points.
Trinity coach Charles Tubbs said losing a pair of strong players to fouls had a huge impact.
"I only rotate about seven players," the coach said. "Having to pull De'Aira and Chrishelle, that hurt us a lot."
Staff writer Jaclyn Shambaugh can be reached at 609-0651 or shambaughj@fayobserver.com.Fayetteville Christian 54, Trinity Christian 50
Fayetteville Christian
9
16
15
14-54
Trinity Christian
7
15
15
13-50
fayetteville christian- Shamaiya Battle 12, Bullock 7, Stanley 2, Gabrielle Bethel 16, Jayla Bryant 15, Kristindottir 2
trinity christian- Janae Dupree 21, De'Aira Smith 14, Chrishelle Smith 11, Lindsay 4
Fouled out: TC - Smith
Technical fouls: None
3-point goals: FC - Bethel, Bryant 2; TC - Dupree, D. Smith
Records: Fayetteville Christian 10-0, Trinity Chrisitan 6-1