By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief
Dale County Chronicle
The Ariton Lady Cats didn’t take long to shake off Friday night’s narrow loss to Straughn. They responded with purpose on Saturday, controlling the pace from start to finish in a 47–31 home win over the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots.
AC Free set the tone early and never let up, powering her way to 21 points and 16 rebounds in a commanding effort. Her presence inside helped Ariton regain its confidence and momentum after the tough setback earlier in the week.
MaciLeigh Bragg added 7 points and 9 rebounds, giving the Lady Cats another steady force around the rim. Lizzy Woodfaulk scored 6 points, while Kam Kilpatrick finished with 4 and KJ Woodfaulk with 3. Nevaeh Williams and Ayari McCloud chipped in 2 points each.
On the defensive end, Ely Knight sparked Ariton with relentless effort, grabbing 6 steals as the Lady Cats’ pressure defense kept Pike Lib off balance throughout the afternoon.
It was the kind of bounce-back performance Coach Bridget Whitehurst hoped to see—focused, energetic, and disciplined—as the Lady Cats continue settling into their stride this season.
The Ariton High Lady Cats (named by jersey number and grade but not in order of photo) 1- Ayari McCloud- 12th; 2- Kam Kilpatrick-9th; 3- Ely Knight -9th; 4- Lizzy Woodfaulk-11th; 5-Macileigh Bragg-11th; 10-KJ Woodfaulk -9th; 11-Madolyn Hudson-11th; 12- Brynlee Peters- 9th; 14- AC Free-11th; 15- Natalee Beltran- 11th; 23- Jade McGriff-10th; 40- Nevaeh Williams-10th. The team is joined by Head Coach Bridget Whitehurst, far right, and Assistant Coach Ronnie Shelley, far left.
