(3) Seaforth avenges conference tourney loss, eliminates (11) Northwood in 2A girls basketball playoffs
Not long after falling to Northwood in the conference tournament championship game, (3) Seaforth beat its cross-town rival in the state playoffs.
The Hawks leaned on their defense to claim a 54-36 win over (11) Northwood on Tuesday night in the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A girls basketball playoffs. It is the third time this season Seaforth has beaten the Chargers.
Offense was hard to come by for Northwood in the first half. Even when the Chargers got looks, they struggled to make shots. Northwood scored 12 points in the first half, including just four field goals.
Northwood didn't play poorly on defense, holding Seaforth to 14 points in each of the first two quarters, but the Hawks built a 28-12 halftime lead.
Hannah Ajayi led the way for Seaforth in the first half with 10 points. The Hawks combined for seven made three-point baskets as well in the first two quarters.
Northwood was able to gain back a little ground in the third quarter, but the Chargers still struggled offensively. They outscored Seaforth 9-7 in the quarter, but could not gather enough momentum to mount a comeback.
Gabby White, who was held to just five points on one field goal in the first three quarters, helped steady Seaforth in the fourth quarter. White scored 15 points in the fourth quarter as Seaforth claimed the 54-36 win.
White's big fourth quarter gave her 20 points for the game, leading all scorers. Ajayi finished with 12 points for the Hawks. They were the only players in double-figures for Seaforth.
Shaylan Glover was the lone Northwood player in double-figures, finishing with 12 points.
Seaforth is now 27-3 on the season and will host (15) St. Pauls in the fourth round of the playoffs on Friday night. This is rematch of the season-opener for Seaforth. The Hawks beat St. Pauls 62-26 on Nov. 20.
Seaforth and St. Pauls also met in the fourth round of the playoffs last season. The Hawks won that game as well en route to a state runner-up finish.
Northwood's season ends with a record of 24-6. Three of the Chargers' six losses came at the hands of Seaforth.
