We were excited to check out the tape and check out the talent, as this was a game that was loaded with next-level players that you will be hearing more about. Independence came out strong early on, knocking down shots from a variety of levels to jump out to a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter, 19-9. Porter Ridge started to get going more but Independence was able to match them right back, ultimately leading by 10 at halftime as well.
Porter Ridge was able to cut into the lead in the third quarter, cutting it in half but Independence was able to answer right back, much like that had all game long. In the fourth quarter thou, Independence was able to outscore Porter Ridge 27-18 to help lead them to an 83-67 victory.
Final: Independence 83 – Porter Ridge 67
Stats:
Indy: Kamryn Kitchen 27pts, Jessica Worthey 22pts, Kaylee Carson 11pts
PR: Ashanti Taylor 15pts, Oliva Burke 15pts, Sidney Blackwell 14pts
Standouts:
2025 Kamryn Kitchen (Indy); Kitchen was terrific in this game, showing why she is such a high target for many schools. Holding multiple D1 offers from all levels, Kitchen was showing how dynamic of a shot-maker she can be from multiple levels, especially from behind the arc. She finished the night 5-for-7 from three, scoring with a ton of confidence. But you also have to love her leadership, her grit on both sides and her feel for the game.
2027 Ashanti Taylor (PR): Taylor is a new name personally for me, but it took just a few minutes to see that she is a talent worth learning about. And the more we watched her, the more we were impressed. She plays with a tremendous feel for the game at such a young age; crafty and poised with her handles, ability to create scoring options for herself, reads and sees the floor extremely well, can play multiple positions, defends well, impacts the game in other ways, and continues to be a strong scoring option. I was extremely impressed with what we saw, and think she could be a rising star here in NC.
2024 Jessica Worthey (Indy): Another player that stepped up, made plays, and knocked down shots was Worthey, a 5’11 guard who can stretch the defense, plays with a tremendous motor, can create plays for herself, and is a competitor on both ends. She plays with a scrappy demeanor to her, and is confident in her jumper, as she finished with 22 points to help her team.
2025 Sidney Blackwell (PR): Though shots didn’t always fall for Blackwell, she continued to shine as a playmaker for her team. She does a great job of finding ways to create and make things happen. She is excellent in creating off the dribble, penetrating the defense, getting paint touches, and also moving well on both sides of the court.