The Murray County Lady Indians visited the Lady Bobcats of Gilmer and were forced to trek the “Trail of Tears” back to Murray County after losing in overtime 53-52 to the home team.The Lady Bobcats used a full court press and a peculiar first half substitution pattern (Coach Herb Horton subbed all five players on the court four different times during the half) to keep up the defensive pressure on the visiting Indians. The Lady Bobcats finished the game with a total of 20 steals. The Lady Indians procured a plethora of pocket picks as well, as neither team was allergic to the turnover bug throughout the night.

(Photo by LT Melton)

Neither team was able to get into an offensive rhythm as both teams played tenacious defense. The first quarter ended in a 6-6 tie. The second quarter started with an 8-2 run by the Lady Bobcats giving them a 14-8 lead with just under six minutes left in the first half. Murray County used several turnovers to close within one point (18-17) with 2:16 left in the half. The half ended with Gilmer up 22-21.

(Photo by LT Melton)

The Lady Bobcats opened the second half still in the press. They were able to push their lead to as much as seven but were not able to put the visitors away, because of numerous turnovers. The quarter ended with a buzzer beating three from the Lady Indians that helped the visitors go into the fourth quarter down by two, 36-34.

Gilmer switched to a trap defense in the fourth quarter. Neither team was able to score with any efficiency in the quarter. However both teams had a double digit quarter as both teams were soon in the penalty and shooting free throws. The fourth quarter ended tied 46-46. The Lady Bobcats were able to secure the overtime victory despite having no field goals. All six of Gilmer’s points came from the free throw line.