Mariners Go to War with Warriors Split 1-1

The North Georgia Christian Academy Mariners boys’ and girls’ basketball teams hosted the Warriors of War Hill Christian Academy. The Girls were victorious, winning 38-27, on the strength of Josie Caruso’s 20 points and seven steals. The boys fell 60-51; despite Jesse Dilbeck’s eye popping 16 points, 11 rebounds and nine steals.The girls’ game was the first of the night. It featured the Mariners’ sinking the Warriors ship early. N.G.C.A. jumped on the visitors with an 8-2 first quarter, helped greatly by Hannah Love, cleaning the glass like a bored housewife. She finished with 14 total rebounds.

The home team looked like it was going to blow out the visitors; however a 6-2 run in the second half by War Hill cut the lead to two (10-8) with just under three minutes left in the first half. The Mariners took a two point (15-13) lead into the half.

The Warriors came out in the third quarter with a full court press, to no avail, as Love’s continuous outlet passes to Caruso caused multiple fast break points.

Love, also scored 12 points, was waging war on the Warriors in the paint, beating whoever was attempting to guard her on the block like an abusive parent. By the end of the third quarter the game was clearly over, as the Mariners held a 30-17 point lead.

The fourth quarter saw head coach, Robbie Cheatham, play mostly back ups.

The boys did not fare nearly as well as their female counterparts. War Hill’s boys simply had too much size for the Mariners to contend with. War Hill opened with two quick baskets, as it was clear that the post game was going to be the Warriors weapon of choice.

Dilbeck answered with five quick points however by the end of the first, the Warriors held a 17-11 lead that would not be relinquished.

The Warriors height and size advantage simply proved to be heavy an Albatross for the Mariners to bear, as War Hill out rebounded the home team, 40-35. The Mariners were also plagued by a plethora of turnovers, as War Hill accumulated 17 steals.

Most of the Mariners’ board work was done by Dilbeck and Issac Starks, who led the team with 13. No other Mariner had more than four, while the Warriors had three players with at least six.

The Warriors’ lead was ten at the half (30-20); however, a 5-0 to start the third by the Mariners cut the lead to (30-25). N.C.G.A. cut the lead to three (34-31) with just under four minutes left in the third; however 6-0 run by War Hill put the Warriors up nine with just over a minute left the third. War Hill went into the fourth up 11, finishing the game with a nine point victory.