MAIDEN, N.C. – Fans raised congratulatory signs at every corner of the gym for Maiden’s star junior, Khiara Culliver.

Her teammates poured onto the court in elation after her first-quarter basket secured 1,000 career points—she is the second-fastest player in program history to do so.

By the time the milestone had ripped through the net, the Blue Devils had already proven that what makes them special was not one player’s ability to score.

A 14-0 game-opening run and five girls finishing in double figures headlined a 67-45 victory over Bandys.

With all eyes on Culliver, Raegan Rembert, Amelia Beal, and Willow Bass each hit a first-quarter three and combined for 15 early points.

12 of Bass’ 14 came in the opening half. She dominated the second when several starters exited due to foul trouble. Liz Campbell added three scores late in the half to inflate Maiden’s lead from 20-9 after one to 36-18 at the break.

The Blue Devils opened the third just as hot. Campbell, Beal, and Rembert immediately dialed up triples to give Maiden a lead as large as 28.

Bandys battled back the fourth but could not slash its deficit below 13. Lexi Vaughan led the Trojans with 15.

Rembert, the Blue Devils’ Swiss Army Knife, finished off her night with a big chase-down block. She and Beal had a team-high 15. Campbell finished with 11, and Culliver added 10.

The Catawba Valley Conference is one of the state’s toughest this season. Maiden is 13-2 overall and 4-1 in league play.

The Blue Devils’ stretch of four straight conference games against opponents with winning records continues on Friday when they take on Lincolnton.

Next week, Maiden travels to Newton-Conover and East Burke. The Red Devils are tied for second place in the league with Maiden while East Burke sits atop the standings with wins over both.

Bandys hosts West Caldwell on Friday. The Trojans are 8-5 overall and 2-3 in the conference.

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