by jowens | Nov 19, 2013
Johnson University? 48
Welch College?? 45
November 18, 2013. It was a tight, well-played game for Welch College Monday night against Johnson University, but in the end, it came down to who would make their free throws, as the Lady Flames came up just short in the end, 48-45.
The teams were evenly matched throughout much of the game with neither team taking any more than a two-point advantage until late in the game. With 5:28 remaining in the contest, the Royals held their largest lead of the game, 39-33, and it looked like their momentum would be enough for them to pull away from the Flames. But, an Amy Pickett baseline jumper and a pair of Ashton Johnson field goals ended JU’s brief run.
The Royals maintained their slim lead until (Ashton) Johnson hit a floater in the middle with 1:37 left in the game, to give the Flames the lead, 45-44. But, four consecutive Royals’ free throws allowed JU to regain the lead. A last-second three-point attempt for the Flames came up short as time expired.
“It was all about making free throws,” said Flames’ coach Larry Bryan. “They made theirs and we didn’t make ours. It was a good game, but we have to make our free throws.”
For the game, neither team shot particularly well from the field, but Johnson made 17 of 20 free throws (85%), while the Flames were seven for 16 (44%).
Center, Leslie Nichols had another solid game, scoring 14 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking seven shots. Ashton Johnson led all scorers with 17 points. Jessie Melvin led the team in assists, with four.
The Lady Flames drop to 1-4 and host Warren-Wilson on Saturday at 1:00pm.
by jowens | Nov 17, 2013
Welch College 91
Appalachian Bible College 60
November, 16, 2013. It took just a little over two minutes for the Flames to find their stride and take advantage of a shorter Appalachian Bible College squad as they handily defeated the Warriors, 91-60.
At the 17:40 mark in the opening stanza, ABC scored to tie the game at six, but it was all Flames from there, as Carson Outlaw and Tim Hutchinson scored 10 points apiece in the first half to blow the game open.
In the second half, the Flames continued to extend their lead, outscoring the visitors 51-29, en route to the victory and their best shooting performance of the year (56% from the field).
The Flames had great balance at all levels as three had double-doubles and a fourth just missed. Leading the way was Lim Chol with 23 points and 11 rebounds; Carson Outlaw with 22 points and 10 rebounds; and Tim Hutchinson with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Jeffery Carter came up one shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine assists.
“We played a solid game today,” said Flames’ coach Nathan Willhite. “We executed very well and didn’t lose our intensity in the second half when we got the lead. That is important for us as we continue to progress as a team.”
Welch improves to 2-3 on the season.
by jowens | Nov 15, 2013
Welch College senior hitter, Emily Whitworth, was recently selected to the National Christian College Athletic Association’s Mid-East Region All-Region squad, receiving Honorable Mention, as voted on by the region coaches.
Even though Whitworth finished the season injured, she was still able rank # 3 in the nation in digging percentage (6.08 per game) and #16 in service ace average with 61%. In the Mid-East Region, she finished #1 in digs, #2 in aces and #7 in blocks.
Whitworth ends her career at Welch College as the all-time leader in digs with over 900 and is second in kills.
“Emily did a really good job for us again this year and her entire career,” said Flames’ coach Amy Walker. “She worked hard and a great year. Her skills and leadership will be missed.”
by jowens | Nov 13, 2013
Mid-Continent University JV 77
Welch College 74
November 12, 2013. Mid-Continent University came in to the Picirilli Activity Center Monday night and snuck away with a 77-74 victory over Welch College.
The game started on with the teams exchanging baskets, neither team getting much of an advantage. But with 3:50 left before the intermission, Carson Outlaw followed up an errant Flames’ shot with a monster two-handed dunk. The basket helped spark a mini run for WC to give them a 39-30 half-time lead.
But, the lead was short-lived as the Cougars came out on fire in the second half and, with just five minutes gone, took the lead, 49-48. They built the lead to as many as seven points, but the Flames kept fighting and with 29.3 seconds left, Jeffery Carter hit a huge trey from the left side to knot the score at 74. After a Cougar timeout, the visitors worked for the last shot. Mid-Continent’s A.J. Walker ran the clock down to five seconds, then drained a 15-footer and was fouled. After the made free throw, the Flames had just 2.5 seconds left to get off a shot. A half-court shot by Carson Outlaw went left and the thrilling game was over.
“We did a nice job in the first half,” said Flames’ coach Nathan Willhite. “But we let our guard down defensively in the second half and it cost us. Also, we have got to make our free throws. Shooting 35% from the line will not win us many ball games.”
Lim Chol had a career night for the Flames scoring a game-high 29 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Three other Flames were in double-figures: Outlaw with 18, Carter with 13, and Tim Hutchinson with 10. Hutchinson also had 11 rebounds while Carter dished out eight assists.
The Flames, with a 1-3 record, host Appalachian Bible College on Saturday. Game time is set for 2:00pm.
by jowens | Nov 12, 2013
Bryan College JV 57
Welch College 54
November 11, 2013. The Lady Flames suffered a tough road loss tonight at the hands of Bryan College, 57-54. WC led for most of the game, but the Lions were able to make some key plays down the stretch to secure the win.
Flames’ freshman, Ashton Johnson had a big first half, scoring 19 points, but with the physical play in the second half, she was only able to score a single field goal and finished with a game-high 25 points.
“It was a tough loss for us,” said coach Larry Bryan. “We led for over 35 minutes so the loss is pretty hard to swallow. We will learn from this game.”
In addition to Johnson’s 25 points she also dished out six assists. Jessie Melvin was also in double figures with 15 points. Leslie Nichols pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Flames.
Now, 1-2, the Flames host Johnson University next Monday, November 18.
