Sandiettes Open District Season with Win

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – The Grapeland Sandiettes opened their quest for a district championship and a berth in the 2016-2017 UIL basketball playoffs on Friday, Jan. 6 as they welcomed the Dallardsville Big Sandy Lady Wildcats to town.

The game began an hour earlier than originally scheduled because of weather concerns and the earlier start time appeared affect the Lady Wildcats’ shooting in the first eight minutes of play. Big Sandy simply could not put the ball through the net as the Sandiettes held the Lady Wildcats to a single free throw from Charity Battise.

The Sandiettes did not appear to be fazed by the earlier start time as they jumped out to a 12-1 first quarter lead. Ragan Bowie dropped in two long range bombs for six points while Hannah Chipman netted four and KeKe Harris chipped in two to account for the first period Grapeland scoring.

As the second quarter got underway, it appeared at least one Lady Wildcat had found her shooting touch. Taylor Battise nailed three shots from behind the arc to go along with one of two from the line for 10 points in the period. C. Battise netted two and was joined by Breanna Carter with a two point basket to round out the Big Sandy first half scoring.

The Sandiettes were paced by Chipman in the second as she scored eight, while both Harris and DeDe McKnight scored two which brought the halftime score to 24-15, in favor of Grapeland.

After the break, the offensive point production dropped considerably. The Lady Wildcats only managed four points on a pair of free throws from both C. Battise and Carter.

Bowie was back at it again as play resumed after halftime. She canned her third three of the night to open the third quarter while Chipman dropped in four and Harris added two as the Sandiettes pushed their lead to 33-19 with one period remaining.

Try as they might, the Lady Wildcats continued to struggle from the field in the final eight minutes of play. C. Battise netted four while both T. Battise and Ceanna Bullock added two apiece to close out the scoring for the Lady Wildcats.

Bowie netted her fourth three of the game in the final period and was joined by Chipman with a three of her own. A trio of Sandiettes – Harris, McKnight and Kenya Woods all chipped in two to close out the game and give Grapeland the 45-27 district win.

For the game, Big Sandy was led in scoring by Taylor Battise with 14 and Charity Battise with seven points. Breanna Carter added four and Ceanna Bullock had two.

The Sandiettes were paced by Hannah Chipman with 19 and Ragan Bowie with 12 points. KeKe Harris added eight, DeDe McKnight dropped in four and Kenya Woods chipped in two to close out the Grapeland scoring.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].