While Carlee Lowry has scored at least 30 points in four games so far season, the Signal Mountain Lady Eagles have an unsung senior guard tandem of Megan Clark and Abby Walker who have helped key an undefeated 10-0 start.
Only once this season has an opponent scored over 40 points against Kendra Bell's team, which continued with Saturday's dominant 67-39 home victory over Baylor.
"Megan and Abby don't get the credit they deserve because they don't score a lot of points," Bell said. "But I told them, there is a lot to basketball. And to be able to contain good guards is such a big deal. Meg and Abbey are very athletic, tough and scrappy. They can cause opponents fits.
"They also do a great job in our press to get steals that really helps Carlee get going. All of our girls play their roles well."
Lowry notched a 30-point showing for the second night in a row after hitting the mark the night before in a 58-32 win over Boyd Buchanan. The 5-foot-11 forward, who helped lead Signal Mountain to a state championship in volleyball this fall, was dominant on the offensive boards.
While Baylor came out scorching hot, hitting their first four 3-point attempts on the way to building an 18-9 lead, they had no answer to stopping the team that's been Chattanooga's most impressive in the early part of the season.
Lowry scored 21 points over the second and third quarters to build a 56-32 lead entering the final frame. Opponents have had little to no answer in stopping her this season as Lowry is averaging close to 25 points and a half dozen offensive rebounds per game.
The Lady Eagles were also sparked by senior Ashlyn Rock, who had her baseline jumper going on the way to finishing with 11 points. Meanwhile senior two-sport star Emily Redman drilled a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter and scored all 10 of her points in the first half.
"We are a very veteran team," Bell said. "We are in essence starting five seniors. Even though Carlee is a junior, she has played varsity ball for us since eighth grade. These girls are just enjoying the game together and doing what they should do. Their experience and chemistry to go along with their skill can really take this team a long ways."
Baylor (2-6) got a standout performance from Riley Oleksik, who finished with 20 points and made four 3-pointers.
Beyond the final score, the basketball clash between the two schools supported a great cause. All proceeds from the game went to the Forgotten Child Fund, as fans brought in unwrapped gifts, new coats and cash donations to support children ages 0-16 years old that are less fortunate around Christmas time.
"This was a good opportunity for us to help out a great cause," Bell added. "For all of us, tonight is a reminder of how fortunate we are. We had a good crowd and it was a great night to support something bigger than just basketball."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.
