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Wes McCard

Sports Editor

The Upson-Lee Lady Knights are making strides this season, but the results of those strides have yet to take form in the version of a victory over a quality opponent. The Lady Knights are 5-12 on the season, and have defeated four teams in those five victories, although one victory came on a forfeit to Griffin. Aside from the forfeit to Griffin, the Lady Knights have beaten Lamar County (twice), Locust Grove, and Stockbridge. Those three teams have a combined record of 7-38.

This past weekend the Lady Knights nearly pulled off two victories, one in a game against a team with an 11-7 record, and the other against a team with a 12-2 record.

“We are continuing to fight out there,” said Lady Knights head coach Bart Phillips. “We just need to develop that killer instinct to put teams away when we have them on the ropes. Even with two losses this weekend, I feel we played much better.”

The Lady Knights battled the Spalding Lady Jaguars (11-7) on Friday night. Upson-Lee jumped out to an early 11-2 lead in the opening period, but Spalding went on a 10-2 run to end the quarter. The Lady Knights were led in the game by Ke’Ondra Ausbrooks, who scored 16 points, including 10 points in the second half.

Upson-Lee had a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, but UL’s Jasmine Davis fouled out of the game, costing the Lady Knights some offensive production. The Lady Jags and the Lady Knights ended regulation in a 44-44 tie.

In the overtime period Upson-Lee point guard Demeshia Russell fouled out of the game, and that was what doomed the Lady Knights. Spalding out scored UL 8-2 in overtime, sealing the 52-46 victory.

Ausbrooks led UL with 16 points. Jasmine Davis netted 12 points, Kiashona Carter added seven points, Kenya Harris and Tykeela Gray each tallied four points, while Demeshia Russell chipped in with three points. Spalding junior Twandalette Cotton led the Lady Jags with a game high 26 points.

On Saturday night, Upson-Lee took on the Lady Bulldogs from Mary Persons (12-2). Earlier this season Mary Persons defeated UL 55-25 in Thomaston. However on Saturday, the Lady Knights fought back from a nine-point deficit at halftime to eventually take a 47-46 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Tykeela Gray, who paced the Lady Knights with 14 points, gave the Lady Knights the lead with a nice floater in the lane.

The two team battled neck and neck over the next two minute, but it was the Lady Dawgs who were able to knock down some late free throws to seal the 59-53 victory.

Gray led UL with 14 points. Jasmine Davis scored 12 points, Kiashona Carter added eight points, Demeshia Russell netted seven points, Kenya Harris scored six points, Ke’Ondra Ausbrooks added four points, while Ekorea Gray chipped in with two points in the six point loss.

The Lady Knights will take on another team who defeated them in overtime, as they welcome the Lady Eagles from North Clayton High School to the ULHS gymnasium tonight. Tip off for tonight’s contest is slated for 6 p.m.