The Salisbury Hornets achieved a decisive win against the Thomasville Bulldogs in the recent high school girls’ basketball game, largely attributed to the standout performance of guard Shamya Arnold. This victorious match, which took place on January 28, 2024, culminated in a final score of 54-7 in favor of the Hornets.
Notably, despite the absence of MaKayla Noble due to illness and Jamyrah Cherry’s difficulty in scoring, the Hornets surged ahead, owing much to Arnold’s outstanding skill and determination. Taking the lead, Arnold spearheaded the Hornets to conclude the Central Carolina Conference matchup with a remarkable 36-0 run, ultimately contributing significantly to their win on the road.
Arnold, responsible for scoring 12 of Salisbury’s 23 points in the first half, matched her career record with an impressive total of 16 points. Coach Lakai Brice lauded Arnold, praising her consistently outstanding performance throughout the season. Furthermore, Torese Evans solidified the Hornets’ triumph with a last-second steal and layup.
The game underscored the Hornets’ exceptional collaborative play, as they rallied and showcased their prowess on the court. Despite Thomasville’s efforts to counter the Hornets’ momentum, notably with Madison Pouncy’s two 3-pointers, Salisbury’s resilience and strategic acumen proved insurmountable.
The third quarter witnessed an intensified pace and heightened level of play from the Hornets, with Cherry and Mariana Zapata each contributing two 3-pointers that significantly bolstered their resounding victory. Coach Brice attributed their press strategy for igniting their momentum in the third quarter, consequently establishing a comfortable lead and providing playing time to their junior varsity girls.
Ultimately, the game served as a platform to showcase the Hornets’ talent and agility, with contributions from various team members further fortifying their triumph. With a final score of 54-7 in favor of the Hornets, it is evident that their cohesive strategy and individual performances were pivotal in securing the win.
The individual scores for Salisbury and Thomasville were as follows:
Salisbury — Arnold 16, Evans 9, J. Cherry 8, Zapata 6, McCombs 5, A. Cherry 4, Peeler 2, Spruill 2, Myers 2.
Thomasville — Pouncy 6, Scott 1.
Ultimately, the Hornets’ outstanding performance not only secured a triumph but also underscored their unwavering commitment and skill on the court. This victory undoubtedly solidifies their standing as a formidable team within the Central Carolina Conference.