HERMLEIGH — The Hermleigh Lady Cardinals have looked unstoppable in district play, and they defeated Highland 69-39 Tuesday to extend their winning streak to eight games.
Since their last loss on Dec. 13, the Lady Cardinals (19-5, 5-0) have scored fewer than 40 points just once and have won four games by 20 points or more.
The Lady Hornets did not have the secret formula to take them down. Hermleigh sophomore Sarah Murphy opened the scoring with a corner 3-pointer.
Senior Ryleigh Benitez made three 3-pointers in the first quarter and Hermleigh led 24-6 after a quarter of play. Hermleigh did not let up in the second quarter. Senior Makia Gonzales drilled her first 3 and junior Brittany Smith then scored the Lady Cardinals’ next five points to give Hermleigh a 34-11 lead. Highland found its offensive groove, scoring 13 points, but still found themselves trailing 42-19 at the half.
The Lady Hornets almost managed to keep up with the Lady Cardinals in the second half, but Hermleigh outscored them 27-20 on its way to the 30-point win and a 5-0 district record.
The win clinched a playoff spot for the Lady Cardinals, who maintained their spot at the top of the District 13-1A standings.
They will play at Loraine at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Hermleigh statistics: Makia Gonzales, 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals; Ryleigh Benitez, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Brittany Smith, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists; Sarah Murphy, 8 points, 4 assists, 2 steals; Aubree Myers, 4 points, 3 rebounds; Juli Munoz, 2 points, 1 rebound; Haley Murphy, 2 rebounds, 1 assist.