Freshman Sharpshooter scores 25 in Cuthbertson's third round win

WAXHAW — Despite playing on short rest the day after winning a second-round 3A playoff game, Cuthbertson High's girls made eight 3-pointers on just 17 attempts (47%) in a 69-60 home win over Hickory on Saturday. It was the last home game of the year for the 28-2 Cavaliers.

Cuthbertson defeated the Watauga Pioneers, 46-43, on Friday in a weather-related makeup game from Thursday night.

The victories prople the Cavaliers into their second straight elite eight appearance. Cuthbertson will travel to Southeast Guilford (28-1, 12-0 MPC) on Tuesday for the opportunity to punch a ticket to the regional game.

They have won 12 straight games.

"I told the girls (Friday) 'We're not using this as an excuse. We've got to go out there and play basketball,' " Allen said after Saturday's win. "Having to play back-to-back days wasn't ideal… We did a good job of fighting that."

Cuthbertson freshman Reagan Iovino was a difference maker, scoring 25 points on just 10 field goal attempts. She made 6-of-9 3-pointers and 7-of-7 free throws. The Cavs made 88.2% of their free throws (15-of-17) on Saturday.

"I think it was important that we kept our focus throughout the past two days," Iovino said. "We were really trying to focus on our defense because if we could stop (Hickory) then we can do our thing on offense. We were focusing on breaking their press and stopping their big girls… I think we played really good."

Junior forward Maddie Dillinger also had a big day with 19 points, nine assists and four steals.

The Hickory Red Tornadoes finish their 2019-20 season at 21-7 overall.

Cuthbertson 69, Hickory 60

Hickory 22 14 15 11 — 60

Cuthbertson 22 20 10 17 — 69

Cuthbertson scoring

Cuthbertson — Iovino 25, Dillinger 19, Kamaria Sheriff 8, Lauryn Hardiman 7, Ruby Williams 5, Lillian Anderson 5

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