Perquimans girls roll in first round game against Oxford Prep

HERTFORD — The Perquimans County High School girls basketball took their first step toward a state championship Tuesday night by defeating Oxford Prep 55-31.

The Pirates, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association playoffs' No. 2 seed in the East, dominated the No. 31-seed Griffins from start to finish.

Lailana Harris led all scorers with 19 points, followed by Crishya Sellers with 10 points. Heather Smith and Asia Fletcher added six point apiece, Indya Long and Kemora Felton each had four points, Krista Linton had three points and Makinzie Stokley and Kaydee Hunter had two points each.

The game started out close with both teams trading baskets in the first few minutes and the score tied at 8 halfway through the first quarter. But the Pirates went on a 22-2 run at the end of the first quarter and the start of the second quarter to take a 21-10 lead. Perquimans led Oxford Prep 33-17 at the half.

The Pirates continued their domination in the second half, especially on defense. Perquimans didn't allow Oxford Prep to score more than 10 points in any quarter.

The Pirates held a 23-point advantage heading into the final frame. Up 48-25, most of the Pirates' starters exited in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates will now face Triangle Math and Science of Cary, who defeated Clover Garden 36-33 on Tuesday night. The game will be played in Hertford Friday night with a start time to be announced.