By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer
RAYMOND — The St. Patrick girl’s basketball team finished the season with a furious second half comeback effort Thursday night against Kemper County in the Class 3A South State Quarterfinal round.
Unfortunately for the Lady Irish, it wasn’t quite enough to overcome an even bigger start in the first half by the Lady Wildcats.
Kemper County turned back St. Patrick 43-38 here at Raymond High School. The Lady Irish finish the season at 25-5 overall, and in the same round and same venue they ended last season in. Meanwhile, the Lady Wildcats move to 22-6 overall and advance to the overall Class 3A Final Four in Jackson at The Mississippi Coliseum on Tuesday.
Kemper County jumped out to a quick 15-9 lead after one quarter and quickly stretched that advantage to a seemingly commanding 34-18 count at halftime.
But Lady Irish standout Natalie Gordon doubled her output from the entire first half in the third frame alone, as she scored six points to help kick start a much better second half for SPHS.
The Lady Irish turned up the defensive pressure in the final two frames and Alex Patino got going offensively as well, with 10 second half points including seven points in the fourth period, but Kemper County was able to hold on and take the win.
Patino paced St. Patrick with a game-high 14 points while Gordon chipped in 12 points.
Jakyla Chamberlin led KCHS with 11 points, while both Mayliah Betts and Shagavious Jackson added 10 points apiece to the wsinning cause.
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