The Lady Wildcats basketball team began district play, traveling to Carrollton Creekview Tuesday.

They brought home an emotional 41-38 win.

With a record of 1-8 so far this season, it’s been tough sledding for the Lady ‘Cats, as several key players have been out with injuries.

“We’ve struggled without our post players,” says Wildcat Head Coach, Holly Mulligan. “Teams have been able to guard us pretty easily because we're one dimensional.”

Enter stage left, junior captain Hannah Wedding and senior D.J. Sandidge.

Both players returned from injuries Tuesday night, with Hannah seeing her first action of the season after shoulder surgery in September.

“Having D.J. and Hannah back really changes things,” Mulligan said after the win. “We're real excited to get them back for district play."

"Hannah is an emotional player and leader on the court, and the girls really respond to her.”

The Lady ‘Cats were a bit sloppy with the ball early on and trailed by as much as 9 points before closing the gap just prior to halftime. Creekview lead at the half, 19-14.

Lead by junior guard, Tierra Scott, who had a game high 14 points, the Lady ‘Cats came out in the second half looking like a different team.

Taking much better care of the ball, the ‘Cats took their first lead of the game when junior guard, Divinity Dixon, hit a jumper with 3:20 left in the third.

The Mustangs kept it close and tied the game 31-31 with 5:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, but several key plays by Tierra Scott and sophomore guard, Mary Potter, sealed the win for the ‘Cats.

Entering the fourth, Potter had yet to register a point in the game, but when all was said and done, she added 5 points to the box score with a gutsy performance.

“I’m really pleased with how Mary has progressed this season,” says Coach Mulligan.

“We gave her the team MVP after the tournament last weekend, and she continued to impress tonight. She's a tough player and was clutch in fourth quarter tonight.”

Tierra Scott came up big all game, putting her signature on the win in the final 20 seconds.

With the ‘Cats up by two points, 40-38, Tierra hit a free throw to put the ‘Cats up by three, then managed two steals and deflected two balls out of bounds to keep the Mustangs from scoring.

“Those plays were huge for us,” says Mulligan. “We expect big things from Tierra, and she certainly didn’t disappoint.”

Scott led all scorers with 14 points and added 3 rebounds and 5 steals.

Coming back from injuries, Hannah Wedding filled up the box score with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks while D.J. Sandidge provided critical inside support with 10 rebounds, 2 points and a blocked shot, as well.

The 'Cats are expecting to be at full strength when seniors Sam Couch and Kosi Ekwu return from injuries. Look for both players to return to action later this week or early next. Stay tuned!

GO 'CATS!

Click here for the Lady 'Cats website. Coach Mulligan also maintains a blog which you can read here.

Pictured (below left) is sophomore guard Mary Potter on a fast break; (below right) is Lady 'Cats Head Coach Holly Mulligan.