No. 3 Thomson snapped Putnam County’s eight-game winning streak on Jan. 13 with a 70-62 win.
The Lady Bulldogs led 43-42 after the third quarter, but their defense took over in the final period. Thomson outscored the Lady War Eagles down the stretch to help secure their 14th win of the year.
Putnam came out firing on cylinders, leading 15-13 after the first quarter. Freshman Journey Waller and senior Kamyra Aikens were crucial to the Lady War Eagles’ success at the start of the game.
Each sunk a few timely baskets, giving their team a two-point advantage over Thomson. But a small drought in the third quarter gave the Lady Bulldogs momentum with a 34-26 lead at the half.
Putnam didn’t give up as its valiant effort cut into the eight-point deficit. Waller, Aikens, and freshman Eriyanna Little gave the Lady War Eagles a brief lead before the Lady Bulldogs took back over.
Thomson was too much for Putnam in the fourth quarter, though. The Lady Bulldogs proved why they’re ranked No. 3 in Class AA and why they’re 5-1 in the classification’s toughest region.
Thomson junior Jada Kendrick was dominant, posting a double-double with 23 points and 17 rebounds. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound shooting guard also totaled four assists, three steals, and two blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs also got solid contributions from junior Ty’Leishiah Latimore. She scored 13 points and grabbed seven boards. Sophomore Janiya Scott added seven points and 10 rebounds Fellow sophomore Dalysa Gilmore only totaled three points but also grabbed eight boards as well.
A huge reason why Thomson had success against Putnam was because of its size advantage, which was on full display down low. The Lady Bulldogs out-rebounded the Lady War Eagles, 51-29.
Thomson kept getting second-chance points as it grabbed 23 rebounds on the offensive end. The quarter of Kendrick, Scott, Gilmore, and Lattimore combined for 42 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 51 boards.
Waller scored a game-high 19 points for Putnam with three rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Aikens contributed 18 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four steals in the eight-point loss.
Entering this week, Putnam is fighting with No. 1 Josey, No. 3 Thomson, and No. 6 Butler for a share of the region’s top spot. The Lady War Eagles will continue this week with two region games.
This week, Putnam will be on the road at Josey (1/16) and at Laney (1/19) in Augusta. The War Lady Eagles will then host Butler (1/23) before traveling to face Westside (1/26).
All tip-offs at 6 p.m.