By David Rogers. MORGANTON, N.C. — With five Pioneer players at or near double figures in scoring, Watauga overcame a sluggish first quarter to win going away against host Freedom on Jan. 9, 61-39.
With plenty of fans in attendance supporting both schools for the season opening conference game of 2025-26, it was a high energy, even raucous atmosphere.
The Pioneers jumped ahead 5-0 to start the game but Freedom came roaring back to lead 15-11 at the end of the first quarter. With a Presli Wood layup midway through the second quarter, Watauga recaptured the lead at 27-26, then went on a 6-2 run to close out the first half with a 33-28 lead.
Although the Pioneers’ freshman playmaker Josie Mayo was relatively quiet to start the game and off the mark, she quietly rallied to score a game-high 16 points. The Pioneers’ Charlie Mattox came off the bench to add 12 points while Izzy Mohr and Shelby Thompson were close to double figures, each contributing nine points.
Whatever adjustments head coach Bill Torgerson made for the Pioneers at intermission, the Patriots had no answers. Watauga went on a 14-0 run to start the second half and never looked back.
Now 7-7 on the season, overall, and 1-0 in Northwestern Conference play, the Watauga women’s basketball team will next host South Caldwell on Jan. 13.
SELECTED WATAUGA SCORING
- Josie Mayo, 16 points
- Charlie Mattox, 12
- Izzy Mohr, 9
- Shelby Thompson, 9
- Mia Mitchell, 8
- Presli Wood, 4
- Ellie Hege, 4
BONUS PHOTOS (Click any image for larger version and Slide Show Mode)
