The Rockwall Lady Jackets have a rich history of winning big games at home and this year's squad added to that legend by avenging their only district loss of the season with a 42-31 victory over Mesquite Horn on Tuesday night. After the first round of District play Horn sat alone at the top of the 12-5A standings entering Tuesday night's battle against 2nd place Rockwall, but the Lady Jackets decided that Horn needed a little company atop those District standings.
Junior Cassie Ross scored 6 of the teams first 12 points as RHS took an early lead with patient offense and stifling defense. Horn showed why they went undefeated in the first round of district with a 7-0 run in less than a minute halfway through the 2nd quarter to briefly take the lead.
Rockwall led 18-17 at the half and Horn turned up the defensive pressure in the second half. As teams traded baskets and the lead, Senior Ka'Bri Person was brilliant in leading the Lady Jacket's offense and waiting for just the right shot opportunity. The game was tied with 6 minutes left when the Lady Jackets took the lead on a drive by Junior Sara Williamson followed by a steal resulting on a two on one with Person kicking the ball out to Senior Ellen Baker for a huge 3 point bucket and a 5 point lead RHS would never relinquish.
After a defensive stop, RHS took more than 3 minutes off the clock on one possession as all 5 players played keep away from Horn defenders. Williamson and Person were able to milk the majority of the clock and forced Horn to commit 4 fouls before finally sending Baker to the line. Baker calmly swished both free throw shots and gave the Lady Jackets a 7 point lead. A couple more defensive stops and 2 more free throws by Baker and 2 by Sara Williamson iced the game and put the Lady Jackets atop the District standings.
Williamson led the team in scoring with 13 points and also had 7 tough rebounds and 2 big steals. Senior Hannah Clark added 12 points and 8 rebounds as her presence in the paint was felt all night long.
The Freshman A won big 48-18 while the JV lost a close one 39-36.
Rockwall will travel across town to face Heath on Friday night at 7pm. Lets get a big crowd in orange to cheer these girls on.
Come Early. Be Loud. Wear ORANGE.
