By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
AYDEN - Washington slowly chipped away at an early 15-2 Farmville Central lead and by the time the Pam Pack was done, it had carved out a 56-53 victory in the championship game of the Tripps Tires Service Basketball Invitational Tournament Tuesday at Ayden-Grifton High School.
After getting off to a slow start, the Pam Pack (6-5) clawed back from a 17-11 first quarter deficit, and out-scored the Jaguars in each of the next three quarters.
Washington entered the last quarter deadlocked at 40 with the Jaguars. A tremendous effort by tournament MVP Harmony Simpkins, who scored four of her game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter, allowed the Pam Pack to survive several lead changes and momentum swings to pull out the come-from-behind victory.
With a little over a minute left in the game, a Gecora Brown bucket put the Jaguars up 53-52. Washington’s TeAmber Burke answered 20 second later with a short jumper that would give the Pack a 54-53 lead, which was preserved when Simpkins swished two free throws to cap the scoring at 56-53.
Jones said she was impressed by Simpkins’ performance.
Burke netted nine points and had a huge day on the glass for the Pam Pack, while all-tournament team selection Jordan Cantrell also added nine and dished out several assists.
Farmville Central had a chance to tie the game when they had the ball with 10 second left on the clock, but the Pam Pack defense stood tall.
The Washington defense was a huge factor in its win Tuesday. After struggling early, a key decision by Jones helped the Pack stifle the Jaguars’ attack.
All-tournament team member Crystal Smith netted 10 points for the Jaguars before having to leave the game in the fourth with a knee injury, while Aushzaniare Pittman led the team with 15 points.
The Pack will be back in action on Tuesday when it battles New Bern.
Farmville Central 17 12 11 13 — 53
Washington 11 15 14 16 — 56
Jaguars (53)
Brown 8, Gecora Brown 10, Aushzaniare Pittman 15, Crystal Smith 10, Hunter 5, Streeter 2.
Pam Pack (56)
Harmony Simpkins 16, Grice 2, Cantrell 9, Burbage 6, Burke 9, Batchelor 4, Stowe 2.