The Aubrey Lady Chaparrals basketball team opened their playoff run with a 45-11 win over the Uplift Hampton Prep Lady Phoenixes on Monday night.
The Lady Chaps hit the hardwood locked in on both ends of the floor and powered their way to the program’s first playoff victory since the 2019-20 season.
“We’ve worked hard to get to the playoffs, and we’ve worked even harder to earn that second round bid, and we came in and did what we were supposed to do against a team that wasn’t very strong this year,” said Nicole Black, Aubrey head girls basketball coach. “Instead of playing down to their level, we came out, competed and did the things we were supposed to do and got the win, and we’re going to see the area around for the first time in a long time, so I’m really proud of my team.”
Aubrey raced out to an early lead with a 17-1 scoring run in the first quarter and never looked back.
The Lady Chaps’ offensive onslaught slowed down in the second quarter, but they continued to build their lead, outscoring the Phoenixes 6-2 and taking a 23-2 lead into the half.
Aubrey continued to pour on the points in the second half, boat racing Bland 22-9 over the last two quarters.
Senior point guard Jaeda Wade led the Lady Chaps with 14 points, followed by senior guard Addy Cagle, who scored 8 points.
“This win means a lot to us because we didn’t have the best season last year, so coming into this year everyone’s goal was just to make the playoffs, and making the playoffs is one thing, but actually winning a game and moving on means even more to us,” Aubrey senior point guard Margaret Conley said.
Aubrey senior post player Kodi Reeves emphasized that the Lady Chaps will bring their signature brand of basketball into the area round.
“We’re going to rely on our defense to give our offense the momentum,” she said. “Once we get a steal, get out on a fast break, and see the ball go through the hoop, that lets us know that we got this.”
With the win behind them, Black said the Lady Chaps know the level of competition ramps up in each round.
“It’s only going to get tougher, but I feel good about our ability to go in and win the next round as well, especially with the way we’ve been clicking offensively, moving the ball around and getting the looks we need to get,” she said. “We’ll play either Hillsboro or Roosevelt on Friday, and either way it goes, I feel like we’ve got a really good chance to go take care of business and get another gold ball.”
Aubrey is set to meet the Hillsboro Lady Eagles, who defeated the Roosevelt Lady Mustangs 59-32 on Tuesday night, at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Mansfield Lake Ridge High School for the Area Championship.
