Shared from the 1/31/2018 The Augusta Chronicle eEdition

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Westminster girls roll toward playoffs

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DAVID LEE/STAFF Westminster’s Ashley Davis dribbles upcourt as Augusta Prep’s Salley Wilson (2) and Nina Shaver run to defend during Tuesday’s game. Westminster won 47-29 and is 5-0 in GISA Region 4-AAA and 18-2 overall.

Greg Wilson isn’t shy about where he ranks this year’s Westminster’s girls basketball team.

“I felt like this is the best team Westminster has ever had and I still think that,” the Lady Wildcats coach said. “It doesn’t mean we won’t get beat in the first round of the tournament, but to this point they’ve bared that out.”

With two games left before the region tournament, Westminster is 18-2, including 5-0 in GISA Region 4-AAA, with its two losses to Evans and Lakeside. Expectations were high entering the season and the Lady Wildcats so far living up to them.

The cause is a group that’s played together for multiple years and grown into a statewide force. It’s a combination of upper-class standouts with experience and emerging athletes growing on the court.

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Westminster’s Lizzy Cave looks to pass as Augusta Prep’s Mary Catherine McCollum (14) and Zenia Nava defend.

“It’s a competitive team,” Wilson said. “They like to practice. When you’ve got a group that’s older and likes to practice, the possibilities are endless.”

Ashley Davis, Bobbi Wardwell, Lizzy Cave and Genevieve Waller have been the four constants.

Davis is near the top of the area leaderboards in several categories, including 12.6 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 steals per game entering the week. Wardwell is right behind at 9.3 points, while Cave offers a strong presence in the paint at 7.7 rebounds and Waller does it all.

All statistical leaders are seniors with the exception of Waller, a sophomore. Contributions from senior Auvia Carter and sophomore Heather Cranford have also helped the Lady Wildcats on their run.

The roll continued Tuesday when Westminster beat Augusta Prep 47-29 for its second victory over the Lady Cavaliers this season. The win kept the Lady Wildcats perfect in region play and on track for the top spot in the region and a high seed for the playoffs.

Davis led with 13 points while Waller added 12.

After falling in the second round of the GISA Class AAA tournament last season, Westminster set itself up for a deeper run with a roster full of seniors. It’s so far proving true as the girls run toward a potentially memorable season.

“We’ve played well in stretches and not played well in stretches, I think like most teams,” Wilson said. “When you start dealing with injuries and illnesses, we’re not deep enough to sustain those things. It makes it tough and changes your game plan. But I’m overall pleased.”

Reach David Lee at (706) 823-3216 or david.lee@augustachronicle.com.

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