The Northwood girls’ basketball team hosted the Chapel Hill Tigers Tuesday night, winning the conference game 66-40. This was Chapel Hill’s first conference loss since 2012. The Tigers won the state title just two years ago and are the defending conference champions.
A win like this may help the Chargers in their pursuit of a championship of their own.
“I think it’s a huge win for our team moving forward,” head coach Cameron Vernon said. “Last year we weren’t able to beat Chapel Hill, but now taking that final hurdle over Chapel Hill is huge for our girls.”
Early in the first quarter, sophomore forward Erika Nettles had to come in for senior forward Jazmine Atkins, who separated her shoulder during the game. Nettles had 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
“As a team, we have stressed our theme this year as becoming one,” Nettles said. “This game really connected us and put us in the spotlight. [The game] also gave us so much confidence.”
Junior guard Bryn Aydt also had 18 points and hit three 3-pointers to lead the Chargers. Junior guard Jazanae Billings played a big role in the win with scoring 14 points and causing four turnovers.
“[Billings] got after it defensively, took care of the basketball, and had 10 straight points in the 3rd quarter,” Vernon said.
Junior guard Kristian Eanes added eight points and four assists to the team effort.
Currently, the team’s overall record is 6-2 and 4-0 at home. Next up for the Chargers is Athens Drive, who they play Dec. 18. They are a 4A school in conference that Vernon says is very tough.
“We are just trying to build on last night’s win and keep getting better and better each and every day,” Vernon said.
– By Tanner Althoff