By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
The West Carter Middle School girls basketball team ended the first half of their game last week against Lewis County down 12-0. But the girls snapped back in the second half – from a 14 point Lewis County lead at one point – to get within two points of their opponents before finishing the night six points down on four penalty shots. The final score was 27-33 on Eighth Grade Girls night in West Carter, but coach Bonnie Barker said she was happy with the girls perseverance.
“We got into foul trouble early on, and we could never recover,” Barker said. “The girls played hard, though.”
The height difference between some of the taller Lewis County players and the West players may have contributed to some of those fouls. Whatever the cause, the penalty shots definitely made the difference for Lewis County. Barker, though, said she thought it was a good learning experience for the girls and she’s confident in their ability to rebound after their strong second half performance.
“We’ll get them next time,” Barker said.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
Jade Smith rushes past Lewis County defense to take a shot. (Photos by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times) 
Natalia Garcia moves the ball down court for West. 
West Carter eighth grade girls were awarded their letter jackets last Tuesday, before their game against Lewis County. Pictured, from left to right are (back row) Josie Bond, Emilee Barker, Sarah Reffitt and Alyssa Holbrook, and (front row) Jade Smith, Holly Brown, Jazmine McCleese, and Natalia Garcia. (submitted photo)
