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Lady 'Cats oust Union, finish 17-4 on season
By David Hunter Staff Writer
The Rabun County Lady Wildcats finished the 2006-07 season Friday with a 61-48 win at home against Union County.
Emotions filled the air as seniors Katie Keller, Kelsey Welch, Desi Justus and Annie James played their final regular season game at home.
“We played our hearts out,” Keller said.
The Lady 'Cats (17-4 overall and 6-2 in Region 8AA) honored their seniors before the game. The younger members of the team handed out presents, and the seniors seemed touched by the gesture.
“The locker room was very emotional,” said head coach DeeDee Dillard, who received coach of the year honors. “That just shows you the impact of the seniors.”
“We are not just a team, but we are a family,” Welch added.
In the first meeting between Rabun and Union on Jan. 23, the Lady 'Cats had to claw back from a 11-0 deficit to earn a 52-37 win.
Rabun didn't make the same mistake the second time around, however. Both teams went back and forth on the scoreboard numerous times. After the first quarter, the game was tied at 13.
Junior Jamie Franklin put the Lady 'Cats ahead for good after converting a three-point play to make the score 22-20.
The Lady 'Cats jumped out to a 34-25 advantage at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Union closed the gap to three points with 5 minutes, 45 seconds left in the game.
Welch, however, put a stop to Union's comeback by connecting on her second three-pointer of game to put Rabun up 50-44. After a bucket by Justus, Welch added another three-pointer with 2:45 left to seal the win.
Rabun had a scare late in the game when Justus strained her ankle and had to struggle to get to her feet.
“I wanted to hop back up, but I couldn't,” Justus said.
Justus spent some time on the bench, but Dillard asked her if she could play a few more seconds. Dillard wanted to pull out all the seniors at the same time. Justus confirmed that she could play.
Welch finished the game with 13 points, and Justus added 10.
During the ceremony that honored the seniors, Justus got a surprise. She was offered a scholarship to play softball at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland.
“I was shocked, I had no idea,” Justus said. “The coach of the softball team told me it was between me and another person. I was shocked that the coach picked me.”
The Lady 'Cats played Wednesday in their first game of the region tournament to determine if they will receive a state-tournament bid.
The top four spots in the region move to the state level. The team also plays at 4 p.m. Friday at Dawson County against an unannounced opponent.
The region finals will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at Dawson.
The Lady 'Cats' last appearance at the state level was in 2002.
Emotions filled the air as seniors Katie Keller, Kelsey Welch, Desi Justus and Annie James played their final regular season game at home.
“We played our hearts out,” Keller said.
The Lady 'Cats (17-4 overall and 6-2 in Region 8AA) honored their seniors before the game. The younger members of the team handed out presents, and the seniors seemed touched by the gesture.
“The locker room was very emotional,” said head coach DeeDee Dillard, who received coach of the year honors. “That just shows you the impact of the seniors.”
“We are not just a team, but we are a family,” Welch added.
In the first meeting between Rabun and Union on Jan. 23, the Lady 'Cats had to claw back from a 11-0 deficit to earn a 52-37 win.
Rabun didn't make the same mistake the second time around, however. Both teams went back and forth on the scoreboard numerous times. After the first quarter, the game was tied at 13.
Junior Jamie Franklin put the Lady 'Cats ahead for good after converting a three-point play to make the score 22-20.
The Lady 'Cats jumped out to a 34-25 advantage at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Union closed the gap to three points with 5 minutes, 45 seconds left in the game.
Welch, however, put a stop to Union's comeback by connecting on her second three-pointer of game to put Rabun up 50-44. After a bucket by Justus, Welch added another three-pointer with 2:45 left to seal the win.
Rabun had a scare late in the game when Justus strained her ankle and had to struggle to get to her feet.
“I wanted to hop back up, but I couldn't,” Justus said.
Justus spent some time on the bench, but Dillard asked her if she could play a few more seconds. Dillard wanted to pull out all the seniors at the same time. Justus confirmed that she could play.
Welch finished the game with 13 points, and Justus added 10.
During the ceremony that honored the seniors, Justus got a surprise. She was offered a scholarship to play softball at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland.
“I was shocked, I had no idea,” Justus said. “The coach of the softball team told me it was between me and another person. I was shocked that the coach picked me.”
The Lady 'Cats played Wednesday in their first game of the region tournament to determine if they will receive a state-tournament bid.
The top four spots in the region move to the state level. The team also plays at 4 p.m. Friday at Dawson County against an unannounced opponent.
The region finals will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at Dawson.
The Lady 'Cats' last appearance at the state level was in 2002.
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| Rabun trumps Fannin, earns second tourney win | Rabun to host regional and state tourneys |
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