GIRLS: QEA holds on against Green Level, 35-32

CARY -- Defense has been Quality Education Academy's calling card this season, and it was evident early in its 35-32 win over Cary Green Level. The Pharaohs, from Winston-Salem, have held seven opponents under 40 points this season and while the final score was close, the team never trailed. The game started with a steal and layup by QEA's Meliah Preston. The Gators tied it with an Audrey Erickson basket, but the Pharaohs responded with a 6-0 run to take advantage. Although QEA never pushed the level to double figures in the half, the Pharaohs never lost the lead in the first half and Olivia Evans' 3-pointer late in the second put the team up 15-6 at the break. The Pharaohs pushed their advantage to 13 in the third quarter, but the Gators made a run in the fourth to get closer. Audrey Ericksen was the catalyst to Green Level's comeback and when Ryan Baker picked up a steal and layup with 2:30 to play, the Gators were within 29-27. On the next possession though, Danasja Horne scored inside, followed by a steal and layup from Aijah Evans to essentially ice the game. For Quality Education Academy, Olivia Evans led the way with 13. For Green Level, Ericksen had a game-high 17 points with five rebounds and three steals.