Lady Buffs emphasize team in AAC race

by Allen Gregory
Bristol Hearld Courier

BRISTOL, TENN. (Feb. 2, 2008) --- A big shot by sophomore guard Beth Raby almost lifted King to the sweep.

After Milligan freshman Heather Mandela hit two free throws to give her team a 78-75 lead, Raby connected on a double-pump jumper from well beyond the 3-point stripe at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

However, the 6-foot Mandela controlled the extra session en route to a 26-point, seven-rebound performance.

Mandela, who has been playing with a broken nose the past two weeks, came to Milligan via tiny North Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy in Fairfax, Va. She honed her skills with future NCAA Division I players in the talent-rich Fairfax Stars AAU program.

"I got to know Heather through AAU,'' Milligan coach Rich Aubrey said. "I was very impressed with her as a player, and even more impressed with her as a person.''

King had a chance to create a second overtime, but Mandela blocked a shot as time expired.

"The transition to college ball was a little difficult at first, but I just love Milligan,'' Mandela said. ‘‘I wouldn't trade my school for anything.''

Junior guard Kristi Moody (Sullivan Central) led King with 17 points, while senior guard Kayla Olson and Raby each scored 15.

"Credit to Raby. She hit a heck of a shot to force overtime, then I was so pleased with how her kids rallied back,'' Aubrey said

King coach Michele Williams was frustrated that her team allowed Milligan to shot a torrid 62 percent from the field.

"Our kids fought hard to get the opportunity to win, but we're just not where we need to be defensively right now,'' Williams said. "[Mandela] is a very good player and we knew that coming in. We have to improve in every position defensively. We had a lot of breakdowns, and Milligan made shots.''

Senior Amanda Holmes only needed four points heading into the nights contest to reach the 1,000 point mark. She got it early in the game on a lay-up. Holmes finished the night with 10 points four rebounds.

Milligan (14-10, 11-1) has a two-game margin over King (12-10, 9-3) atop the AAC standings.