For the very first time, the girls basketball team from Rolesville High School will compete in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state championship game.

In the eastern regional championship game on Thursday afternoon, Rolesville emerged victorious with a score of 47-34 against Hoggard at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem.

Rolesville maintained their lead for the majority of the game, holding it for almost 26 of the total 32 minutes. The game only saw one tie and two lead changes throughout.

The Rams were ahead 11-6 at the end of the first quarter and increased their lead to 22-15 by halftime. Despite Rolesville going on a 12-0 run during the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter, six consecutive points from Tristan Shivers and Avery Fitzgerald helped Hoggard stay in the game. Rolesville held a 15-12 advantage with 4:25 remaining in the first half.

During the first half, Kayla Bush managed to find points during transitions, which helped Rolesville secure a seven-point lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, Rolesville increased their lead to 11 points, but Hoggard fought back. Led by YaYa Graham’s five points, the Vikings went on a 7-0 run. However, Rolesville did not back down and Caitlyn Jones regained her momentum, resulting in a 35-26 lead for Rolesville and causing Hoggard to call a timeout.

The Rams of Rolesville held a consistent lead of 39-29 during the first three quarters of the game, and they were able to maintain their momentum from there. In the fourth quarter, Rolesville increased their lead by 18 points and ultimately secured a 47-34 victory.

Jones was the top scorer for Rolesville, putting up 11 points. Taliya Rowe was the sole other Rams player to score in double digits, earning 10 points. Bush contributed eight points for the Rams.

Fitzgerald was the sole Hoggard team member to score in double digits, concluding with a total of 10 points.

Box Score: Rolesville 47, Hoggard 34

Caitlyn Jones of Rolesville scored 11 points, followed by Taliya Rowe with 10 points, and Kayla Bush with 8 points. Camryn Lee and Laila Lewis each had a score of 7, and Justice Everette scored 4 points.

Hoggard: Avery Fitzgerald 10, Tristan Shivers 7, Sarah Elgart 6, A.K. Chance 6, YaYa Graham 5.

Source: highschoolot.com