Chambers pulls away from Shelby for a 58 - 42 Victory in a Matchup of Defending NCHSAA State Champions.

Charlotte, NC - It was great to see the opening game of the season for 2 defending state champions were against each other, I came into this game expecting it to be guard dominated and a lot of defense, both were true.  This game was a home and season opener for Chambers and coming off consecutive NCHSAA AAAA State Championships it was good to start the season at home, Shelby took the 30 minute ride over from the Gastonia area and captured the NCHSAA AA State Championship earlier this year. Chambers kicked in the defense right away and Junior Guard Aaliyah El - Got a steal and 2 points to start the scoring in the game, Sophomore guard Mila Holloway followed with a nice baseline floater that got the offense going and they were off and running to a 14 - 3 Score at the end of the 1st quarter. Shelby was not going out easy and mounted a strong comeback in the 2nd 8:00 minute period, led by Junior Guard Ally Hollifield who finished with 6 points including a steal & 3-Ptr that energized the entire Shelby Team and fans in the gym. Senior Guard Kate Hollifield ( Belmont Signee ) who went 5 - 5 from the free throw line and Junior guard Maraja Pass who also finished with 5 Points in the quarter as well led their team back coupled with some strong defense had them back in the game only down 24 - 19 heading into halftime.

Chambers came out strong in the 2nd half and used great passing in transition to fuel a 36 - 22 lead with 3:57 left in the quarter, baskets by sophomores Mila Holloway and Seini Hicks got it started and they kept the offense going with scores by Juniors Aaliyah El and Jada Creech off a nice inbounds play call by Head Coach: Donnel Rhyne. Chambers took control of this game by out-scoring Shelby by a score of 20 - 12, Mila Holloway knocked down a 3-Ptr and a floater to close out the 3rd period scoring, that put them ahead by 13 points at 44 - 31. Everytime Shelby would score and try to gain momentum Chambers would answer right back, Chambers would outlast Shelby and win the game by a score of 58 - 42. Shelby was led by Junior Guard Maraja Pass who finished with 17 points and showed that this Shelby team will contend for a State Championship this year, Senior Kate Hollifield finished with 11 Points and sister Ally Hollified finished with 8 Points. Chambers was led by Sophomore guard Mila Holloway with 17 Points and Junior Cheyla Scott who added 10 points, stellar defense and rebounding, Junior Jada Creech 8 Points.

I expect both of these teams to have a say in who wins their respective NCHSAA state championships.

Peter London

Carolina Girls Hoops Report