Lady Devils fall to ECI

The Warren County Lady Devils took to the court at home against the Lady Bulldogs of Emanuel County Institute in the first round of the state playoffs Friday night. The Devils entered the game as the number two seed out of Region 4 while the Lady Bulldogs were the number three seed from Region 3. Many felt that the two teams were maybe the most equally matched first round opponents in the the playoffs.

The scoring was slow for both teams in the early going. ECI's defense kept pressure on Warren County's guards and prevented the Lady Devils from penetrating the lane. The first quarter ended with ECI on top 10-6.

The second period opened with Warren County scoring quickly. Takesia Harris hit one of her five three point shots on the evening and after a quick defensive rebound, Candice Warthen scored on a fast break to give Warren County the lead by a score of 11-10. It was the Lady Devils' first lead since leading 2-0.

Warren County's lead would be short-lived however. Both teams traded scores through the early minutes of the 2nd period before ECI took control again. The Devils went to the locker room down by 7 with the scoreboard reading ECI 25 and Warren County 18.

The Lady Devils began the 3rd period much the same as they did the 2nd. ECI seemed to focus their defense on Warthen, opening up Harris on the outside. Harris scored her first 3 pointer of the period with 4:40 to go in the 3rd to give Warren County the lead by a score of 27-25.

ECI responded by going on a run of their own to establish a six point lead over the devils. Harris again responded from beyond the arch with two 3 point shots to tie the game at 31-31 with 2:48 to go in the 3rd.

ECI's size advantage began to take a toll on the Lady Devils. The Lady Bulldogs outscored the Devils 12-2 in the final minutes of the third quarter to lead by a score of 43-33.

Warren County was determined not to let their season end without a fight. They once again began to narrow the lead through the three point shots of Harris and the quickness of Warthen. In the end, it would not be enough. ECI squeaked out the victory by a score of 40-48.

Candice Warthen led the scoring for the Devils with 24. Takesia Harris contributed 21 points, 15 of which came from beyond the three point line. Tyneisha Harris contributed with a 3 point shot of her own.

Coach Rhodes commented on his team's performance by saying, "ECI simply did a better job rebounding. We didn't box out and they used their size to their advantage." Rhodes also praised the play of Takesia Harris by saying, "She really stepped up big. You could tell she wanted the ball."

The Lady Devils now begin to work toward next season. They lose only one player to graduation this year and look for several rising freshmen to contribute early. The Lady Devils look to once again be one of the teams to beat in Region 4 next year.