Southards, Lady Cats cruise to win Battle of the States

Enoch Autry/The Clayton Tribune. The Lady Cats claim the Battle of the States title with a 66-42 victory on Dec. 30 over Franklin (N.C.) High School.

Luke Morey/The Clayton Tribune. RCHS junior Ellie Southards goes in for a basket against Franklin in the tourney final. Southards was named the MVP while Lucy Hood and Mary Lovell made the all-tourney team.

Luke Morey/The Clayton Tribune. Junior Mili Watts hits a three on Wednesday, Dec. 28 against Hayesville. Watts is the defensive engine for the Lady Cats as she posted at least four steals in each of the three tournament games.

Luke Morey/The Clayton Tribune. Senior Mary Lovell spins to hit a basket on Wednesday, Dec. 28 against Hayesville. Lovell was named to the All-Tournament team.

Luke Morey/The Clayton Tribune. Juniors Ellie Southards and Lucy Hood combine to put pressure on a Towns County ball handler on Thursday, Dec. 29. Southards averaged nearly 18 points per game on her way to being name Tournament MVP as Hood posted 16 ppg to be named to the All-Tournament team.