Lady Seahawks lose focus, but not game

“Not happy” — were the first two words South Walton Coach Kevin Craig used to describe Tuesday night’s game against the Cottondale Hornets.

Despite the Lady Seahawks 63-41 win, Coach Craig said, “there was a loss of focus after the first quarter.

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“We jumped on them, then missed six layups in the second quarter. I’m not happy with how we finished. We’ve got to improve on that.”

Cottondale scored first, but then it was all South Walton in the first quarter. Samantha Snider hit four layups and a 3-pointer, while Alex Lovell put a rebound back for two points, and Blakney Barrett sank two baskets in the last minute for a 19-2 advantage.

In the second, South Walton continued to outscore Cottondale 19-14, but missed many other opportunities as well. South Walton’s Mackenzie Watson popped a 3-pointer in the last couple of minutes, adding to her earlier basket and free throw for a total of six points. Jamie Delaney and Heather Anderson each scored four points.

In the third quarter, the Seahawks started strong reeling off six points but then gave up a 3-pointer and a six-point run to the Hornets in the last couple of minutes. South Walton led 51-25.

In the fourth, Cottondale answered the Seahawks and then some, putting up 16 points to South Walton’s 12.

“This team has a lot of potential for down the road,” Craig said.

“I’ve got high expectations for this team. We can’t let up,” he added.

Scoring in double-figures for the Seahawks were Snider with 14 points; Barrett, 13; and Lovell, 10. Watson and Delaney each scored eight points, while Julie Williamson hit for six. Anderson contributed four.

Top scorer for Cottondale was Kiki Paul with 17 points.

South Walton was six of 13 from the free-throw line, while Cottondale made five of 11 tries.

Up next for South Walton is a 6 p.m. game Saturday at Washington High School in Pensacola. The Seahawks will be back at home at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday against the Blountstown Tigers.