Jordan Hill found her spark in the second half.
The 6-foot sophomore forward was perfect on her field goal attempts in the second half and only missed one free throw as she notched 30 points and 10 rebounds. She helped lead the Lancers to an 85-78 victory over Mt. Olive College junior varsity Saturday in LCC’s season opener.
Hill had some warming up to do at first, as she only had five points in the opening half.
“I just have to put my mind to it,” she said about staying aggressive early. “Sometimes, I come out and I’m just in a daze. Once I get set, I’m good to go.”
The Trojans (0-5) led the Lancers for most of the way, and it was a battle for the victory in the last four minutes. Hill hit a pair of free throws to put the Lancers ahead, 70-69, but MOC’s Jakira Robinson’sthree-pointer would be the Trojan’s last bit of fight.
Hill would tie the game once more, and add — while she’d been hot in the low post all game — a short-ranger jumper to stiffen the rally, 76-72.
“She’s an unbelievable talent,” LCC coach Tad Parson said of the transfer from New Bern. “She really has that talent and ability; she’s just got to increase her work ethic to the max. Once she gets aggressive, she’ll have it.”
The Lancers trailed by as many as 14 before coming back and defeating the Trojans.
Jasmine Fate led the Lancers with 11 rebounds, adding seven points and three assists. Guard Taylor Torres had five assists for LCC.
The Lancers trailed by eight at halftime (34-42). Torres drained a catch-and-shoot three and scored on a fast break jumper to get LCC within 10 before the break.
Parson was satisfied with a win in the opener, but the Lancers won’t play again until Sunday.
“Long time in between games, you sort of lose your edge,” he said. “I’m pretty much happy with the win. Right now, we just need a good start.”
LCC will play a rematch with the Trojans Sunday and won’t play in Kinston until Dec. 9 against Spartanburg Methodist.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.