CFNN Reporters Andro Ringl, Aubrey McMillan, Natalie Mitchell

The Lady Colts suffered their first loss of the season on January 15th, against the top ranked Panthers of North Pitt High School.

“I was expecting what we got, a very hostile environment, playing against their crowd, along with their team,” said Head Coach Brian Graham.

The Lady Colts traveled a long way to North Pitt with the hopes of extending their 9-0 win streak. The game was tough from the onset, as the Panther offense clawed into the Colts defense, leaving the Colts down 9-16 at the end of the first quarter.

The girls made some defensive adjustments in the second quarter, but the Panthers offense was too much for the Colts, and the deficit increased to 16-28 at the half.

The Colts took command during the third quarter and reeled the game back in, managing to shrink the lead down to 42-47. Unfortunately, the Panthers were able to put the game out of reach in the fourth, ending the Colts upset bid at 53-70.

Jayda Angel rained threes on the Panthers defense all night. Teralyn Harris stampeded all over the paint, finishing with 5 defensive rebounds. Angel tallied 6 steals, 2 blocks, and 5 turnovers forced to keep the Colts in the game.

Cape Fear took the loss as a learning experience and a blueprint for how to compete against top competition going forward.

“Playing a top opponent like North Pitt shows us what we need to do to break through for a state championship,” said Coach Graham. “This game will definitely help our preparation for later in the season.”

Tuesday night the Colts were back on the court looking to rebound from the loss against the Panthers. They quickly put the loss in their rearview mirror.

A 17-0 run to start the game made the Panthers a distant memory. The ladies were playmaking all night. Anijah Jones had an early steal, throwing it up the court to Jayda Angel which led to a NO LOOK PASS over her shoulder to Elisabeth Kirkland for a quick layup. The quarter ended with a 17-7 lead for the Colts.

The Colts defense was intense from the start, forcing mistakes from the Bucs with a grueling full-court press. Cape Fear capitalized on Buccaneer mistakes, and added to their lead as the quarter progressed. The Colts abused the three-point line, taking advantage of Jack Britt’s low post defense. The half ended 33-13 in favor of Cape Fear

Angel was destructive against the Buccaneers defense, scoring a total of 31 points on the night. Angel shot 75% from three and 67% from the field. Angel must have had eyes in the back of her head, adding 3 no look passes which led to important points for the Colts.

“I kept my team motivated and disciplined,” said Angel.

The Colts shut down the Buccaneers offense during the final quarter of the game, holding the Bucs to only 1 point in the whole quarter ending the game 64-30. The loss against North Pitt motivated the girls to have one of their best performances we have ever seen. The Colts showed no ill effects from the loss. They continue to dominate the county.

The Colts will take on Southview at the Tiger’s den on Friday, January 19th. Come out and support your ladies as they attempt to restart their win streak.