CFNN Reporters Andro Ringl and Gracie McLaurin

The Cape Fear Colts took a nail biting loss against the Terry Sanford Bulldogs ending the Girls season and their run in the playoffs.

On Friday the Colts played Terry Sanford, which became one of the closest games the girls have played all season. Throughout the game neither team took more than a 10 point lead, ending each quarter with only a deficit of 2 points. It was a hard fought battle for the Colts ending the game 75-68 in favor of The Bulldogs.

Before the game started the atmosphere was intense. The rivalry between Cape Fear and Terry Sanford goes back centuries, so this game meant more than just a ticket to the State Championship.

From the whistle both teams brought a different type of intensity and played their hearts out. Harris led the Colts this quarter and dominated the paint. For the Bulldogs, Ameya Brown took control shooting 60% from beyond the arc, ending the first with a one point lead for the Bulldogs 20-21.

Both teams carried their intensity into the second quarter. Both teams put up back to back shots, holding the score within a 4 point difference. Anijah Jones found her footing this quarter putting up important shots and pulling down 4 rebounds. Beronna Road showed out for the Bulldogs, capitalizing every time she went to the free throw line, sinking all of her shots. At the end of the half the game was as close as can be with the Bulldogs leading 35-37.

“My favorite memory was winning the conference championship game two years in a row,” said Jones.

Coming out of the half the girls were feeling the pressure with the entire season being on the line. The Colts shined through the pressure and continued to make big plays. Jayda Angel took over the court making two threes and controlled the paint for the Colts. Even with Angels help the Bulldogs held their lead of 50-51.

“My favorite memories are the friendships I made with my teammates,” said Jayda Angel.

Everything relied on the final quarter of this game with both teams feeling the pressure. Terry Sanford’s center Rebecca Kaba changed the tide of the game scoring 16 in the final quarter. It was a tough battle throughout the whole game but the Terry Sanford Bulldogs took home the win 75-68.

“My favorite memory is making it far in the state playoffs every year,” said Kaiya Starling.

Kayia Starling and Jayda Angel are seniors who have both been on varsity since their freshman year. They both made huge achievements throughout their years, Kayia Starling reached 1000 points and Jayda Angel reached 2000 points. Angel plans to continue her career at Elon University. Both of these girls have been great leaders for their team throughout their careers at Cape Fear.

“My final message to my seniors is that I love them. They are leaving the program better than they found it and should be proud of everything they’ve accomplished over the past 4 years. I told them the 2024 class is the best Cape Fear Women’s Basketball class. I’m proud of them and we did it the right way by playing with homegrown players,” said Head Coach Brian Graham.

The Colts season may be over, but they have created something that can not be stopped. The Colts will continue to work in the off-season, in hopes of winning it all in the years to come. Congratulations Ladies! We couldn’t be more proud of you.