By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — Host Alexander Central varsity women’s basketball team battled valiantly in every quarter on Jan. 14, but the Cougars could not quite overcome their own turnovers while Watauga capitalized on them. The Pioneers prevailed in a squeaker, 48-44.
The Pioneers’ senior guard Kate Sears recorded game-highs in rebounds (16) and steals (4), while also posting team-highs in points (14) and in assists (5). From the charity stripe, Sears was 4-for-4.
Sophomore guard Blair Haines also finished the game in double figures (11 points), nailing a trio of shots from beyond the arc down the stretch.

The Cougars’ strength emerged inside the paint, where they held a decisive, 28-12 advantage over Watauga. Unfortunately, Alexander Central committed 14 turnovers on the night and the Pioneers had little sympathy while minimizing their own miscues. By game’s end, the Boone visitors had scored 17 points on ACHS turnovers, while giving up only 4 points on their own (6) ball-handling errors.
Where Watauga missed some shots (they only made 17 of 65 attempts from the field), a teammate was often following up with an offensive rebound. The Pioneers registered a 14-3 advantage in second chance points. Of their 40 rebounds, 20 were on the offensive end.
Add Sears’ being perfect at the free throw line to a 2-for-2 performance at the line by senior Kaitlyn Darner, Watauga made all six of their foul shots.
Game-high scoring honors went to the Cougars’ junior forward Meredith Wike and her 20 points. Fellow forward Faith Burch earned a double-double, with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Malayah Adams gets game-high recognition for her six assists.
Next up for the Pioneers (8-5 overall, 2-0 in Northwestern Conference) is a Jan. 17 date at home, vs. Hibriten (10-5, 0-1). Alexander Central (10-5, 1-1) travels to Hudson to play the third 4A rival in the conference, South Caldwell (9-7, 0-2).
TOP PERFORMERS
- WAT – Kate Sears: 14 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
- WAT – Blair Haines: 11 points, 2 rebounds
- WAT – Julie Matheson: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
- WAT – Kaitlyn Darner: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
- AC – Meredith Wike: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
- AC – Faith Burch: 13 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal
- Malayah Adams: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists