Hickory, NC - In a much-needed bounce-back performance, Louisburg College women's basketball team ended its three-game losing streak with a convincing 73-54 victory over Catawba Valley Community College on Saturday. The Hurricanes (7-6) displayed a balanced offensive attack, powered by a strong second half, as they overcame early jitters to pull away from the Red Hawks (5-8) in the final 20 minutes.

Early Struggles, But Dominance in the Second Half

The first half saw both teams trade baskets with neither able to pull away, but Louisburg's superior depth and offensive firepower were evident after halftime. Leading the way for the Hurricanes was Jade Clowney, who put together an impressive 22-point performance. The sophomore guard shot 9-of-21 from the field and hit four three-pointers, creating much of the separation as the game wore on.

While the first half was competitive, Louisburg came out in the third quarter with renewed intensity. The Hurricanes hit 14-of-29 shots (48%) after the break, dominating Catawba Valley in almost every facet of the game. The Red Hawks, who struggled with shooting consistency throughout the game, could not keep pace as they hit just 1-of-13 from beyond the arc, a dismal 7.7% mark.

Louisburg's defense was equally stifling, limiting Catawba Valley to only 34.4% shooting from the field. The Hurricanes also capitalized on turnovers, forcing 16 Red Hawks miscues while committing just 13 of their own.

Key Contributions from Griffin and Coria

Amiah Griffin provided a solid 18-point, 12-rebound double-double, offering the Hurricanes much-needed interior presence and second-chance opportunities. Griffin's aggressive play on both ends of the floor was crucial in limiting the Red Hawks' offensive rebounds, as Louisburg finished with a 40-36 edge on the boards.

Point guard Carolina Coria also had a strong outing, contributing 8 points and a team-high 7 assists. Her court vision and ability to distribute the ball helped facilitate the offensive flow for the Hurricanes, especially as the game moved into the latter stages.

Catawba Valley's Offensive Woes

For Catawba Valley, the game was a frustrating affair. The Red Hawks were led by Danasja Horne, who finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds, but she struggled with her shooting, hitting just 8-of-19 from the field. Catawba Valley's inability to score consistently from outside the arc (1-of-13) played a major role in their downfall.

Jada Whitesides, one of the Red Hawks' key contributors, found herself battling inefficiency throughout the contest. Although she scored 13 points, she finished with just 3-of-14 shooting, and her struggles from long-range (0-of-2) kept Catawba Valley from finding any rhythm offensively.

Hurricanes Take Control Late

As the game wore on, Louisburg's depth and energy proved to be too much for Catawba Valley to handle. Freshman Deaysha Hartsfield added 9 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, providing a spark and steadying the ship when the Red Hawks tried to make a run. The Hurricanes' ability to capitalize on free throws, shooting 71.4% (10-of-14), contrasted with Catawba Valley's struggles from the charity stripe, where they shot just 91.7% (11-of-12).

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Louisburg had built a commanding 19-point lead, securing their first win in four games and reinforcing the importance of team basketball and resilience.

Looking Ahead

Louisburg's performance on Saturday will give the team the confidence boost it desperately needed heading into the back half of the season. With key players like Clowney, Griffin, and Coria stepping up, the Hurricanes are now poised to build on this win and work their way back into the hunt for a solid conference finish.

Next up, Louisburg will look to build momentum as they take on SW Virginia CC at home on February 2, 2025. 

Final Score:

Louisburg College – 73
Catawba Valley Community College – 54

Louisburg College Individual Performances:

• Jade Clowney: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
• Amiah Griffin: 18 points, 12 rebounds
• Carolina Coria: 8 points, 7 assists
• Khouri White: 9 points, 2 assists

Catawba Valley Community College Individual Performances:

• Danasja Horne: 18 points, 6 rebounds
• Jada Whitesides: 13 points, 4 rebounds
• Jayden Lynch: 8 points, 7 rebounds