Apex 53, Smoky Mountain 42

Smoky Mountain is without Cetera DeGraffinreid due to the elbow injury yesterday that we've posted about several times. However unlike yesterday, they've settled down and are playing well without her.

We've had the tournament first double fouls called as well. This is a rough and tumble game with a lot of floor burns. Lots of blocks, traps, 3/4 court pressure, offensive fouls. FHEW.

Amy Dodd and Kimberlee Durham have started well for Apex. End of first quarter, Apex is up four, 12-8. The second quarter Smoky Mountain battles hard and before you know it they have cut the lead to one point. With 15 seconds to go, the game is tied at 23. Smoky Mountain gets a last shot but misses. We'll start the second half with a clean slate. Amy Dodd and Durham have combined for 19 of the 23 Apex points this half. Smoky Mountain got nine from Ashley Robinson.

The second half opens with both teams with their track shoes still on. The scores was tied 27-27 when Apex got a bucket, then two straight layups by Dodd and Durham to push to a six point lead. Apex holds off a feisty SM team to win.

Smoky Mtn 8 15 8 11 - 42
Apex 12 11 16 14 - 53

Smoky Mtn - A. Robinson 21, A. Haggard 8, K. Woodard 7, B. Anders 4, N. Junaluska 2. Leading rebounder - A. Robinson 4. Assist leader - L. Brown 2.

Apex - K. Durham 21, A. Dodd 16, A. Miller 5, M. Greene 4, S. Elchook 4, D. Higgins 3. Leading rebounder-A. Dodd 7. Assist Leader - K. Durham 2. Notes - A. Dodd with five steals.