Wartburg’s Davis Scores Career-High 29 in 66-58 Loss to Coalfield

By Terry Futrell

Fans who expected a low scoring District 3-1A semifinal match between the Coalfield Lady Jackets and the Wartburg Lady Bulldogs, two very good defensive teams, must have been shocked by the fast-paced shootout that took place Thursday evening. Wartburg’s Olivia Davis led the charge with a career-high 29 points. Not to be outdone, Coalfield’s scoring duo of Gabbi Lowe and Kadence Jackson responded with 21 points and 19 points, respectively. The Lady Bulldogs could not counter the scoring output of Coalfield’s twin towers, dual post players Alexis Morrison and Jayleigh Bunch, who poured in a combined 22 points, giving Coalfield a 66-58 victory over Wartburg.

The Lady Bulldogs were off and running in the first quarter and built a 17-13 lead. Coalfield’s defense stepped it up a notch in the second quarter, holding Wartburg to only five points. Meanwhile, the Coalfield offense put 10 points on the board to give the Lady Jackets a 23-22 halftime lead.

Wartburg rebounded and put 18 points on the board in the third quarter, paced by Davis’ 10 points and Selena Byrge’s seven points. Lowe put up eight points for Coalfield, and Jackson and Morrison added six points each to give Coalfield a 45-40 lead.

Davis continued her scoring spree with seven points in the fourth quarter. Byrge added five points and Elizabeth Keathley scored four points. Lowe and Jackson carried the load for Coalfield, with Lowe hitting 9 of 10 from the free throw line and Jackson adding six more points.

Top-seed Coalfield earned a 66-58 victory and plays Oneida for the district tournament championship Monday evening. Wartburg will face Sunbright in the district consolation game. Both teams will then face District 4-1A teams in regional competition.