Elizabeth Miller at the line in the second half of Holly Pond's win over Falkville/ Johnny Thornton
FALKVILLE – Replacing two outstanding scorers from the backcourt is the task Holly Pond Lady Broncos coach Paige Adams is working on this summer.
Ruth Horton and Taylor Tankersley graduated, the two regular ball handlers taking with them a high percentage of the offense.
For the time being, Holly Pond is developing its team for 2017-18 and had good results to show for it on Monday in a play day at Falkville High School.
The Lady Broncos got a 41-22 win over Winston County, fell 45-35 to Danville and ended the segment by running away from Falkville 53-19.
Holly Pond has experience back, despite the losses of Horton, Tankersley and Haley Higginbotham.
The leader in returning personnel is guard Molly Gambrill. She brings good court sense and will be one that Adams will count on for consistent play and leadership.
Others who join her with experience include Kolby Holcombe, Presley Marks, Tess Duke and Elizabeth Miller.
Plenty of balanced scoring was displayed in the game with Winston County as the Lady Broncos won the second half battle by a 23-10 margin, following an 18-12 lead at the half.
Seven Lady Broncos got involved in the scoring in the second half with Holly Pond closing out the contest by a 13-2 run in the final six minutes.
Gambrill netted eight for the Lady Broncos, Lili Harris added seven, Makenna Folds six, Maddie Heatherly and Duke five each, Marks and Kirsten Campbell four each and Miller two.
The Danville game was close, with the Lady Broncos coming on strong to start the final half after getting down at the break, 15-12.
Four lead changes took place in the first three minutes of the second period, with Danville getting the lead and not giving it up. The Lady Hawks stretched the margin to 31-21 with less than 11:00 remaining and Holly Pond never overcame the double figure disadvantage.
Heatherly and Holcombe were top scorers in the loss, getting seven apiece, followed by Folds with six, Marks and Gambrill five each and Miller four.
Holly Pond found a shooter's touch from the outside in the first half against Falkville. The Lady Broncos scored five times from long range, including four in a row that sparked a 12-0 run and a 26-10 lead with 3:55 left in the half on a three by Gambrill.
The Lady Broncos enjoyed a 30-12 advantage at halftime and went to work with a 13-2 spurt to begin the final half and build a 43-14 margin with 8:39 to go on a shot by Harris.
Holly Pond had a game-high seven treys, with the final coming from Duke from the top at the 2:18 mark as the game was well in command by the score of 51-19.
Gambrill paced the winners with eight; Holcombe, Kara Hollis, Folds and Miller each scored six, Duke and Heatherly five apiece, Harris and Campbell four each and Marks three.
Holly Pond will have Tuesday off to prepare for a play day on Wednesday at Cullman. The Lady Broncos and Lady Bearcats will get the event started with an 11 a.m. tip.
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