The Selma Times–Journal

MARION &045;

Once the Francis Marion Lady Rams put the first quarter behind them, the rest of the game was theirs.

They played probably their best three quarters of the young season to defeat the highly touted R.C. Hatch Lady Bobcats 71-57 in an intra-county game.

The Lady Rams were down as much as 14 points in the first quarter as Hatch connected on four 3-pointers. The quarter ended with the Lady Bobcats up 17-8.

Marion opened the second quarter with a 13-2 run to get up 21-19.

There were five lead changes and four ties in the second quarter alone.

Hatch was down 32-31 at the half with Venicia Dudley contributing 15 points.

In the 3rd quarter the scrappy Lady Ram defense caused Hatch turnovers that resulted in a 52 – 44 advantage to start the 4th.

With the Lady Bobcats in foul trouble, Marion hit 4th quarter free throws to coast a double digit lead.

The exhausted Lady Bobcats could not get any closer the rest of the game.

“We haven’t played in a couple of weeks,” said Hatch coach Walter Abraham.

“We have some key injuries, but we’ll be back.”

The Lady Rams (3 – 1) were led by Quineshia Arrington’s 25 points. Jaleesa Jackson added 13 points.

Dudley led all scorers with 26 points for Hatch who falls to 3-1 for the season.

Latoria Paige contributed 12 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Sheleta Banks finished with 12 points.