BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
ORLANDO — The Lady Cards made waves in Florida over the weekend with a 54-49 victory. Coach Robin Newsome’s squad erased over a 20-point first-quarter deficit to win the 17th annual Florida Prospects Championship in overtime on Saturday.
The team followed up the victory by celebrating at Disney World in Orlando.
Martin County took on the second-ranked team in the Florida 1A division. Central Florida Christian Academy was 11-2.
That did not stop the Cards from handling business at the host school.
“I’m really proud of my team. They learned some valuable lessons during the championship game. They got down early and never gave up,” Coach Newsome bragged.
“Central Florida Christian Academy punched us in the mouth in the first quarter and our kids woke up and responded to pull away for the win.”
CFCA jumped out on the Cards quickly.
“Brooke Marcum is a warrior. She never quits and plays her heart out,” says Coach Newsome. She and Maci Maynard scored six points each in the first quarter.
Senior leader Candace Spaulding hit two buckets to pull the Cards closer.
Entering the second quarter down 10 points, Makenna Marcum nailed a shot from 3-point range.
Martin County went to the break down only six.
Spaulding kept her Lady Cards in it after firing in two shots and two from the charity stripe.
The team still had work to do after entering the supposed final quarter behind CFCA by eight points.
The squad came alive on the other side of the court and held Central Florida to only three points.
B. Marcum and Maynard combined for 11 points to send the game to overtime.
Up by one with time ticking away, Chloe May came in clutch with a 3-ball to put the Cards up four to seal the deal.
“I feel our kids came together and played for each other in the best game they have played all year. Central Florida Academy had a very good team, and it was a complete team effort from our girls,” Coach Newsome said.
“Candace Spaulding came up big in this game for us.”
On the privilege of being able to take her team to Disney, Newsome extended her gratitude: “I’d like to thank our administration for allowing us to compete in these events. Our staff, players and parents work really hard to provide these opportunities for our kids.
“Thanks to all our sponsors for making this happen. Your help provides opportunities to our kids that will last them a lifetime.”
The girls will play in the All “A” tournament against East Ridge on Jan. 4 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.