By Ken Lay

Bearden High School’s girls basketball team celebrated Senior Night, 2021 with a lopsided victory over William Blount Tuesday night. All three seniors made significant contributions in the win.

The Lady Bulldogs routed the Lady Governors 80-17 and afterwards, the team honored its three seniors, Zneyah McLaughlin, Reagan Ruth and Natalie Rice.

Ruth had perhaps the best offensive game of her career as she scored 19 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. Rice scored seven points, all after halftime, and McLaughlin, a guard, had three points.

“These are three great seniors and they’ve always been leaders,” Bearden coach Justin Underwood. “Reagan had a great game, Natalie knocked down some shots and hit a 3-pointer and Zneyah has done just about everything for us since she’s been here. These girls are leaders and they’re all great young ladies. They’ve led us all season.

“They have siblings who have played here and I think I’ve had a McLaughlin ever since I’ve been here.”

This game was over early as the Lady Bulldogs (18-1 overall, 12-0 in District 4-AAA) came out blazing. Bearden opened a 21-6 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Bulldogs were particularly hot from the perimeter. Bearden made 14 shots from beyond the 3-point arc. In addition to Ruth’s five long-range jumpers, Maddie Brillhart had three. Jennifer Sullivan and Hannah Claire Stephens had two each. Emily Gonzalez, Avery Treadwell and Rice each had one.

Treadwell, a sophomore post player, was also a force inside as she finished the contest with a game-high 20 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who led 44-9 at halftime.

Brillhart scored 11 points. Sullivan added nine and Stephens finished with eight. McLaughlin finished the game with nine assists.

Chloe Russell scored seven points to pace the Lady Governors (6-12, 4-7).