It seemed early in Friday’s game at the RHS Gym that the Rockdale girls’ basketball team was holding their own with Academy, a team undefeated in district play, as they stayed within reach and trailed 11-5 at the close of the opening quarter.
Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers also got into foul trouble early. The combination of that and the post-play of Ellie Erwin made it difficult for the Blue-and-Gold to hang with the lossless Academy.
The Lady Bees buzzed away for good in the second and third quarter, outscoring Rockdale 22-8 and keeping RHS to three points in the latter. Academy won 45-22.
D’Erika Hurd and Perla Perez led Rockdale with 10 and five while Ciara Miles had three points. Saige Robertson and Julie Bartsch each had two.
RHS head coach Meredith Caffey talked about the difficulties of facing Academy’s post play after the game.
“Karli Marburger is out for (the season) and we had Julie in foul trouble early,” Caffey said. “We didn’t have anybody that could battle (Erwin).”
RHS fell to Academy 54-22 on Dec. 15.
“We did better tonight than the first time we played them. They’re probably 15 points better (than us) but we still struggled on getting shots and those offensive boards.”
THIS WEEK—With a 1-6 record and five games to go, the Lady Tigers are still in the hunt for that fourth and final playoff spot.
Rockdale faced Florence Tuesday after press time, who they beat 38-18 on Dec. 22.
The Lady Tigers face 2-4 Cameron Friday, who beat them 32-18 on Dec. 22.
Even though RHS still has to face Rogers and Lexington, who have lost only three district games combined, Rockdale can still go 3-2 in the final stretch and beat Caldwell on the road in their final district game on Feb. 2.
Tip-off for Friday’s game is at 6 p.m.
MARBURGER—One of the downfalls for the Lady Tigers this season is losing junior post Karli Marburger last week.
“Honestly it’s just one of the most painful things because it’s hard to have your season end before it’s actually over,” Marburg-er said Friday. “It’s hard to sit there on the bench knowing you can’t do anything.”
Despite feeling down about the circumstances, she was also adamant about how motivated she is to be back on the court and still be a part of the team culture.
“All I want to do is support my team and be there for that,” She said. “I’m just ready to be back on the court.
“As soon I’m released (to play), I’ll be out there.”
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