NORTH PITT HANDS EAST BLADEN FIRST LOSS OF YEAR, WINS REGIONAL 55-37

North Pitt has won a few close battles in their road to the eastern regional final. Today’s win in the regional championship game against East Bladen was not a close one, as the Panthers powered their way to a 55-37 victory.

Ty’qushia Gainer, Co-Eastern Plains 2A Player of the Year, scored 17 points with 10 rebounds on the day to pace the Panthers. Dorian Sharp added 12 points and nine rebounds in the victory.

North Pitt shot a blazing 49% from the floor while holding East Bladen to just 25.9% on the day. Lacey Suggs was the only Eagles player in double figures scoring with 18 points and 11 rebounds to cap off her high school career.

The Panthers pounded the paint all afternoon, out-scoring the Eagles 40-12 in the painted area. They also sprinted past East Bladen winning the battle of fast break points 12-4.

North Pitt will make their second ever appearance in the state championship game on Saturday when they take on East Davidson for the 2A title. The Panthers last state title game appearance came in 1972 when they defeated West Montgomery 58-34 to win the state’s second ever Championship in the Women’s tournament.