Lady Barons lose to Lee in second half, 56-49

Lady Baron Zaneta Howard (25), a 5’10” junior from Birmingham, Ala., faces off against a Lee University defender during the Homecoming game Feb. 14 in Gillis Gym. (Photos by Kelley M. Arnold)

The Brewton-Parker College women’s basketball team (14-12) hosted 12th ranked, Lee University, Feb. 14 in the Gillis Gymnasium. Despite the Lady Barons best efforts to hold the Lady Flames off in the first half, Lee defeated BPC 56-49. It was the Lady Barons last home game of the season and Senior Recognition Day (see related story).

The Lady Barons led at the half 32-28, shooting 42 percent from the field; however, the second half shooting woes limited the Lady Barons to 7 of 24 (29 percent) shooting from the field.

Kaela Gibson led the Lady Barons with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Shelby Pauling had 12

Lady Baron Tanisha Murray (22), a 5’5” senior from Statesboro, faces harsh Lee defense as she works her way to the Baron goal in the second half.

points. Monica Hunter came off the bench and added 9 points.

Head Coach Sheila Simmons, who also serves as the college’s Athletic Director, shared her thoughts on the game – and the season.

“I am very proud of our team’s effort,” said Simmons. “We out-rebounded Lee, forced them into 25 turnovers but couldn’t get the ball in the basket the second half. Our seniors played their hearts out. Lee University is ranked top 12 in the country but they had to play their best basketball to beat us. Our coaching staff would like to congratulate and thank all our seniors for everything they have given to the program. We would also like to thank all of our fans for coming out and supporting us this season.”

Brewton-Parker College is back in action when they travel to Montgomery, Ala., for a game at Auburn University-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 21.  Game time is at 2 p.m.

                                   -BPC-