The Orange women’s basketball team went into Christmas on a bright note. Senior center Alexis Stephens scored 16 points as the Lady Panthers defeated Cummings 45-39 last Monday in Orange’s final game before the holidays. Stephens added five rebounds as Orange improved to 4-3. They were just the second team to defeat Cummings this season. Cummings Alayah Mitchell scored 27 points, but was held in check in the second half after Orange coach Josh Underwood shifted to a full court press. The Cavaliers led 21-20 at halftime, but Orange went on a 15-0 run to start the second half to take control of the game. Maura McMurtry added 14 points, including a crucial 3-pointer after the Cavaliers reduced Orange’s lead to four points. Stephens has scored in double figures three times this year, including 19 points in a win over Person on December 3. She shot 6-of-12 against Cummings from the field. Addison Atkins is in her fourth year as a varsity player and provided some valuable minutes against the Cavaliers as Orange was without several players. Sophomore forward Kassidy Tolliver added two points and ten rebounds. On Monday morning, Orange will face Southern Alamance in the consolation round of the Southeast Alamance Holiday Hoopla Tournament in Haw River. The Lady Panthers will conclude its stint in the tournament on Tuesday.
