GDW Analysis:
Cullman 11 10 7 10 - 38 (6 & 0)
Madison Academy 10 8 10 8 - 36 (1 & 3)
Encore Classic at Hartselle
In six games with new coach Tammy West, the Cullman Lady Bearcats have shown a lot of character.
The latest episode was Monday in the Encore Classic when Cullman went on an 8 to 0 run late in fighting back from being down by 5 and finish with a 38 to 36 verdict.
Center Molly Wilson dropped in a short range jumper at 2:20 of the 4th to give Cullman the lead at 36 to 35.
Free throws from Molly Dorough extended the margin at 38 to 35 with 1:46 to play.
Madison Academy scored a point from the line and had three possessions late with the opportunity to tie or regain the advantage.
Very good defense from Wilson, Rachel Hoffman, Dorough and Zoe Snider saved the day for the Lady 'Cats.
Victory was well earned in a team effort while the offense was not able to create consistency on close range attempts throughout the game.
Cullman managed 17 points in the 2nd half on 6 FGs and was 5 of 6 from the line.
Kadence Hanback delivered two huge treys, one from atop midcourt at the end of the 1st to put Cullman ahead 11 to 10. She hit one from her favorite spot, the right wing in the 2nd period.
The Lady 'Cats were without 7th grade starting point guard Katherine Ugarkovich who was home recovering from an illness.
Coach West moved Kaylee Johnson to her position with Johnson sharing ball handling duties vs. physical pressure from Madison Academy's guards with Hanback, Hoffman and Dorough.
Cullman takes on Susan Moore Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the 2nd assignment of their three day visit to Hartselle.
Madison Academy will face another local team, the Vinemont Lady Eagles at 10:30 Tuesday.
Photo of the Cullman Lady Bearcats bench during the Encore Classic Monday at Hartselle.
GDW photo by Johnny Thornton.
