Sydney Jarmon started the Lady Patriots off right as they built an early lead.
(Staff Photo by Christopher Dunn)
The Sandy Creek Lady Patriots took Marist's punch and stayed standing. In fact, they are Fayette's last team left standing after their 47-39 victory.
The Patriots paved the way to their spot in the Elite Eight with a gritty, tough performance. Early on, Sandy Creek dominated the game. A 22 point halftime lead quickly evaporated though as Marist put together a tremendous rally. Sandy Creek withstood the blows though, turning a one point deficit around and reclaiming control until the final buzzer.
The Patriots started the game hot on both ends. Sydney Jarmon started the scoring, slicing to the hoop for a quick lead. LaRice Walker followed suit, cutting to the basket for a pair of scores including one turned into a three point play. Sandy Creek quickly ran up a 10-0 lead to start the game. Marist would warm up a bit, but not enough to avoid a 16-6 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
Minnae Harris heated up from long range, draining a pair of treys late in the first and early in the second. Her teammates joined her from long range as both Jarmon and Walker sank three balls to make it a 31-19 lead at halftime.
Marist must have gotten one impressive pep talk at halftime because they came out with a vengeance. The War Eagles started the second half with an impressive 23-0 run to take a 32-31 lead. The Patriots would make sure it was their only lead of the game.
Walker got to the hoop to take it right back, then Courtney Street followed with a baseline jumper. Safiya Martin's rebound and feed to Walker pushed the advantage back up to 37-32 at the end of the third quarter.
The Patriots did not back off the pressure from there. They put the War Eagles away. Chloe Branch dished to Street to start the frame and run the lead to seven. Walker got to the hoop and popped in a left handed shot high off the glass. Minnae Harris took the next turn, driving to the hoop for two then snatching a steal and sinking two free throws to put the game away. Branch and Martin made sure Marist didn't get any late rally thoughts as they swatted away any decent looks.
Sandy Creek now stands as the county's last remaining team, boys or girls. They will face a stiff test on the road against the Redan Raiders. The 25-2 Raiders have been on a mission, including their 70-40 over Fayette County in round two. Nevertheless, the Patriots are confident and ready to take on any challengers.