Georgia-Lina Lady Hurricanes semi-pro women's basketball team battling adversity

The Lady Hurricanes, who play in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League, had nine players from the Augusta area on the roster. While injuries and conflicting schedules dwindled the roster size, the small group has fought for a 4-6 record.

“Some of us played together on different teams,” said Sherika Wright, who starred at Josey before finishing her college career at Mississippi. “It’s taking us to dig a little deeper than we thought. We’re like a family. We’re all we have and we have to make it work.”

Four players from the first-year, semi-professional team are averaging more than 10 points per game. The balanced scoring is the result of a team that has meshed with a small roster.

“Injuries have been a big downfall,” coach Mike Bennett said. “I haven’t had a chance to have all my players at one time. With a record of 4-6, that’s pretty good when you’re fighting with five or six players every game.”

Despite the ability to work together on the court, the Lady Hurricanes were unable to overcome the unbeaten Auburn Flyers on Saturday, losing 103-69 at Paine College’s HEAL Complex.

Wright led the Lady Hur­ricanes with 16 points. Tracey Flowers, a Butler product who played at South Carolina State, had 15. Cross Creek and Georgia State product Shay Rawls had 14.

The Atlanta Lady Tarheels, also using the HEAL Complex as their home venue this season, are faring better at 6-4. They beat the South Carolina Storm 91-80 on Saturday.

Kiera Gray had 15 points to lead the Tarheels, one of five to score double digits. Jennifer Nails added 13 points.

Gray entered the weekend averaging 24.2 points per game, more than twice the average of the next-highest player on the team. The guard from Fort Wayne, Ind., has a .697 shooting percentage.

“She’s an awesome player,” Tarheels coach Bryan Beaver said. “She gives me everything I need on the floor, offense and defense. I just can’t ask for a better player.”