Wilson, N.C.- Converse handed Barton 30 points off 23 turnovers as the Bulldogs pull away in a 69-54 Converse defeat in Conference Carolinas action on Wednesday evening.
Logan Hollis (Spartanburg, S.C.) recorded her second double-double of the season scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 boards. Margo Dill (Hilton Head, S.C.) and Erin Horne (Orlando, Fla.) scored nine points each, while Christhea Mitchell (Jacksonboro, S.C.) and Jakyra Washington (Durham, N.C.) chipped in eight points apiece in the loss for the Valkyries.
Converse (2-14, 1-12 CC) and Barton (9-11, 8-5 CC) exchanged blows the first 15 minutes of the contest. Converse would see its largest lead of the game at the 12:25 mark of the first half going on a 10-2 run capped off by a short jumper from Washington. Hollis and Washington had four points during the 3:17 spurt.
With the game tied at 20 apiece with just under six to play in the half, Barton used a 11-0 run to push the lead to double digits. Converse would claw back in the waning minutes of the half to trail Barton 36-28 heading into the locker room.
Barton would come out of the break firing with an 11-3 run heading into the under 15 media. Converse would go on a short 5-0 run before the Bulldogs countered with a 8-0 run to push things to 55-36.
The Valkyries would start chipping away again at the Bulldog lead going on an 8-3 run with Dill posting back-to-back lay-ups to cut the deficit to 58-44. Barton would extend the lead once again going on a 9-0 run with just over five minutes to play giving the Bulldogs a 23 point advantage, 67-44.
Despite the Bulldog lead, Converse never gave up and finished strong ending the game on a 10-2 run.
The Valkyries would outrebound the Bulldogs 45-30 on the glass, grabbing 18 offensive boards. Converse had five players with five or more rebounds. Hollis led the charge with 10 boards, Dill hauled in six. Washington, Hannah Anderson (Savannah, Ga.) and Yashee Johnson (Columbia, S.C.) grabbed five each.
Converse produced 13 assists on 21 made baskets shooting 36.8% from the floor. Ashley Salgado (Ottumwa, Iowa) and Washington would dish out five assists each.
Converse heads to Bristol, Tenn. Saturday February 1, as the Valkyries take on King in a Conference Carolinas match-up. Tip-off is slated for 2pm.