Murphy girls come back to take down visiting Gilmer

The Murphy girls basketball team is going to one to watch this season in North Carolina’s Class 1-A.

Despite trailing by six entering the fourth quarter to Georgia’s Class 4A Gilmer in the home and season opener Thursday, Dec. 5, the Lady Bulldogs blew up in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visiting Lady Cats 21-13 in the final frame to earn the two-point, 61-59 victory.

Heading into that final period, things didn’t look great for Murphy at home.

The Lady Bulldogs took a 28-27 lead into halftime, but were outscored by seven in the third to fall behind by what most would assume would be enough for the visiting Lady Cats to earn the road win.

But senior forward Sydni Addison put up six of her team-high 19 in the fourth, along with five points from sophomore Torin Rogers and four points from junior Sarah Pullium, to will the Lady Bulldogs to the home victory to start the 2019-20 season.

While Murphy was able to score in the fourth period, it was the defense that earned the victory.

The Lady Bulldogs played a full-court, zone press for most of the game, which gave the visiting Lady Cats fits and enable the home team to earn the win.

Pullium finished with 10 points, while Rogers and junior Kaiya Pickens each scored nine.

Sophomore guard Mia Wilson scored 11, and fellow sophomore Taylor Phillips hit a 3-pointer in the fourth to round out the scoring for the Lady Bulldogs.

After a Friday, Dec. 6, visit to Nantahala, the Lady Bulldogs will travel to play Big Smoky Mountain 1-A opponent Robbinsville on Tueday, Dec. 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Three days later, Murphy will visit Rosman for a 6:30 p.m. region game Friday, Dec. 13.

The Lady Bulldogs are trying to get back to the state semi-finals, where their dreams of a state championship fell short last season.