Thunder crashes down on Lady Cards
- Updated: January 18, 2016
JCA jumped out to a big early lead, cruised into a second-round meeting with Alexandria
By Jason Katz
For East Alabama Sports Today
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Christian had no trouble handling the Sacred Heart Lady Cardinals in the opening round of the 2016 Calhoun County Tournament Monday.
The 10th-seeded Thunder held No. 15 Sacred Heart scoreless most of the first half and cruised to a 54-21 win.
JCA coach Tommy Miller was excited for his team, but understands it will will have to play the best ball of the year to advance any further in the tournament. The Thunder play sixth-seeded Alexandria Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
“I think the biggest surprise was how well we shot the ball early,” said Miller. “Kayla Barnes came out and pops the first 3 and then Briah Cupp hits a few outside shots to really get us into the game.
“When you come into this big building you don’t expect to shoot the ball that well, but today we did and defended it well and that got us that big early lead. It is a nice win, but being such a small school we will have to play our best ball to compete. I just want to stay on the floor with Alexandria Tuesday.”
Sarah Crook led the Thunder in scoring with 15 points While Briah Cupp had eight points. Her sister Senior Joeley Cupp scored nine points and Sidney Hancock had eight points with six rebounds.
Sacred Heart only made one basket in the first half, a layup by Jacque Beyerle 32 seconds before halftime.
Megan Lott had 16 of the 20 points scored in the second half for the Lady Cardinals. Only two other players scored for them the entire game. Beyerle had two and Jarece Tillery had four.
Jacksonville Christian 54, Sacred Heart 22
SACRED HEART – Sydney Marion 0 0-0 0, Megan Lott 5 2-2 16, Jarece Tillery 2 0-0 4, Jacque Beyerle 1 0-0 2, Unrayiah Barclay 0 0-0 0, Morgan Calloway 0 0-0 0. Totals 8 2-2 22.
JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN – Joeley Cupp 3 1-2 9, Hayley Moses 1 0-0 2, Briah Cupp 4 0-0 8, Sarah Crook 4 7-9 15, Olivia Jones 1 0-0 2, Kayla Barnes 4 1-2 10, Sidney Hancock 4 0-0 8. Totals 21 9-13
Sacred Heart 0 2 9 11 — 22
JCA 12 21 16 5 — 54
3-point goals: Sacred Heart 4 (Lott 4); JCA (J. Cupp 2, Barnes)
Total fouls: Sacred Heart 10, JCA 4. Officials: Hora, Howell, Preston.
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