A strong defensive effort from J. Frank White Academy led to a 47-32 victory over the Middlesboro girls in Harrogate last night.

“We did everything right, except score,” Middlesboro head coach Scott Overbay. “Our team’s attitude, hustle and effort are all great. Sometimes, it just seems like there’s a bubble over the rim, and we just can’t get anything to fall.

“We haven’t been shooting the ball well lately, and that’s just something we’re going to have to improve on to win these games.”

The Lady Yellowjackets managed only seven points in the first quarter with two buckets from Bailey Woody, one from Brittany Davis and a free throw by Aubrey Sowders but still were behind only a point at the end of the first quarter.

Things got worse in the second quarter as Middlesboro could manage only four points compared to 11 from the Lady Knights. At the half, Academy held a 17-11 advantage.

“We had a tough time getting going on offense in the first half,” Academy Head Coach Dan Piercy said. “We only scored six points in the first quarter, which we’re not used to. Credit Middlesboro for slowing us down. I thought we did a good job and getting to the paint, and getting ourselves some good looks. I’m proud of the way our girls competed.”

J. Frank White Academy pulled away to a comfortable lead in the second half as they outscored Middlesboro 13-9 in the third quarter and 18-12 in the final quarter to secure the 47-32 win.

Middlesboro was led in scoring by Bailey Woody with 12. She was followed by Brittany Davis with 10. Kailey Owens added 3, Grace Gent added 2, Aubrey Sowders with 2 and Gracie Moles with 3.

J. Frank White Academy was led in scoring by Beraya Piercy with 19. She was followed by Abigail Garner with 15. Kyla Piercy added 4, Presley Cole added 5, Anna Posey added 2 and Kinsee LeFevers added 1.