By Kyle Parmley
Cahaba Sun
CENTER POINT – Clay-Chalkville let a chance to clinch Class 6A, Area 12 slip from its grasp in a tight 43-40 loss to Center Point on Tuesday night.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Justin Haynie talking to his team at the New Year’s Shootout. photo by Ron Burkett
A Mekaila Hill gave the Cougars the lead in the third quarter, but they were unable to hold that advantage in the final period. Raven Omar’s 3-point attempt from the corner went begging at the final horn, giving the Eagles the win.
The main culprit in Clay-Chalkville’s defeat was a lack of success at the free throw line, as the Cougars sank just 2-of-8 attempts from the charity stripe.
Jasmine Battle helped get the Cougars off to a good start, scoring eight of her 14 total points in the first quarter. She converted baskets driving to the hole and by scooping up offensive rebounds in a good performance.
Alex Johnson scored 12, half of those in the third quarter, as she continues to show an improved touch around the goal this season. Amiya Payne and Hill finished with six apiece.
Clay-Chalkville was without Akeria Medlock due to illness, as it fell to 2-1 in the area with the loss.
Center Point was led by Troy commit Amber Rivers, who scored 16 points. Sakina Wynn scored 13.
Next up for the Cougars is a trip to Leeds on Friday at 6 p.m.
