In a cold gym on a brisk night in Carrboro, Kaylen Campbell burned up the nets for Orange’s first 4-0 start under head coach B.J. Condron.
Campbell scored a career-high 25 points as the Panthers pulled away from the short-handed Jaguars 49-36 at Jaguars Gymnasium. Campbell scored 17 of Orange’s 25 points in the first half.
“She’s a leader for us,” said Condron. “We look to her for offense, but she came through tonight on defense for us, too.”
Sophomore Lauren Cates also registered a career-high with eleven points, including a trio of 3-pointers. She had nine points in the third quarter when Orange extended its advantage to 44-31.
“That was big for her,” said Condron. “She’s been struggling a little bit. She came in early to practice on Wednesday and took about 300 shots. And it showed today.”
Orange had to play most of the first half without Center Bethany Early, who was saddled with two early fouls and missed the second quarter. She finished scoreless with six rebounds.
“She’s a presence in the paint,” said Condron. “She rebounds, she scores some for us. I feel like we’re deep in the post. Some other players got some opportunities, but I feel like we need to have Beth in the game. She’s our tallest player, our longest player, and one of our best athletes.”
Carrboro, playing without starting point guard Deja Tucker and backup center Cameron Farrar, received 20 points from Grace Nanney. The Jaguars suited up only nine players, but still crept their way back late in the game by holding Orange scoreless for the first 5:16 of the fourth quarter.
Enyah Holt scored a field goal with 2;45 remaining that ended the Jaguars run and essentially ended the game. Holt finished with six rebounds.
The Orange girls have opened the season with wins over East Chapel Hill, Northern Durham and Southern Alamance. They travel to Cedar Ridge Saturday afternoon at 2PM for its Big 8 opener.
ORANGE–Grace Dively 2, Kaylen Campbell 25, Mia Davidson 4, Nashyra Wilkins 2, Icez Barnett 3, Lauren Coats 11, Enyah Holt 2.
CARRBORO–Gabrielle Adams 2, Brooke Fields 5, Grace Nanney 20, Myasia Jarerett 9.