MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Samantha Russell led three Young Harris College women's basketball players in double figures as the Mountain Lions tipped off their season with a 58-48 Peach Belt Conference victory over Georgia College Monday (Jan. 18) afternoon at the Centennial Center.
The Mountain Lions improved to 1-0 overall and to 1-0 in the league, while the Bobcats fell to 1-3 and 1-3.
Young Harris jumped out to the early 8-3 lead after Russell sank a three-pointer with 5:59 to go in the first quarter, but the Bobcats took a 12-10 lead at the end of the quarter. The Mountain Lions took control of the second period as the outscored GC 16-7. Young Harris used a 10-1 run - seven coming from Russell - as the Mountain Lions took a 20-15 lead on a Russell jumper with 4:42 to go. Two
Mackenzie Johnson free throws right before halftime gave YHC a 26-19 lead.
It was more of the same to start the third quarter for the Mountain Lions as they put together an 11-4 run to open their largest lead of the game - 14 points (37-23) - after a
Thalia Carter steal and layup with 4:40 left. The closest the Bobcats would get the rest of the way was six points on three occasions.
Russell led the Mountain Lions with 15 points and grabbed five rebounds, while
Lindsey Caudell added 13 points. Both Russell and Caudell each sank three three-points apiece. As a team, Young Harris went 7-of-15 from long distance (46.7 percent).
Niaya White added 12 points and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Johnson and Carter each grabbed six rebounds.
Harper Vick led Georgia College with 17 points, while Jada Warren grabbed 11 rebounds. The Mountain Lions limited the Bobcats to 26.6 percent (17-of-64) shooting from the floor.
Be the first to know what's going on with the Mountain Lions -- Follow @YHCAthletics on Twitter, follow YHCAthletics on Instagram, become a fan of Young Harris College Athletics on Facebook and subscribe to the Young Harris College Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with Young Harris Athletics.
