10u Bladen County All-Star Girls Basketball are Runner-Ups in the Crystal Coast Classic

10u Bladen County All-Star Girls Basketball Team with coaches Mike Dove (left) & John Ammons (right).

Sneads Ferry, NC – The Bladen County 10U All-Star Girls Basketball team put together an impressive showing at the Crystal Coast Classic, finishing as tournament runner-ups with a 2-2 record.

Led by Coach Mike Dove & John Ammons, the team demonstrated resilience, strong defense, and determination throughout the weekend.

Game 1: Bladen County 10, Wendell 6 Bladen County kicked off the tournament with a hard-fought 10-6 victory over Wendell on Friday evening. The team’s defense set the tone early, limiting Wendell’s scoring opportunities and securing the opening-round win.

Bladen County Scoring: Aubree Simmons, Alivia Ammons 2, Peyton Moore, Eva Dove, Aubrey McKeithan 2, Betsy Rojo Martinez, Merideth Cromartie 6.

Game 2: Duplin County 15, Bladen County 10Despite a strong effort, Bladen County fell to Duplin County in their second game. The team battled throughout, but Duplin County’s offense proved too much to overcome.

Bladen County Scoring: Aubree Simmons, Alivia Ammons 2, Peyton Moore, Eva Dove 2, Aubrey McKeithan 4, Betsy Rojo Martinez, Merideth Cromartie 2.

Game 3: Bladen County 12, Onslow County 10 (Overtime) One of the tournament’s most thrilling games saw Bladen County rally in the final minutes to force overtime against Onslow County. Merideth Cromartie’s clutch free throw in the closing moments of regulation tied the game, and the team’s defense stepped up in overtime, holding Onslow County scoreless. Aubrey McKeithan’s put-back layup off a rebound secured the victory, sending Bladen County to the championship game.

Bladen County Scoring: Aubree Simmons, Alivia Ammons 4, Peyton Moore, Eva Dove, Aubrey McKeithan 4, Betsy Rojo Martinez, Merideth Cromartie 4.

Championship Game: Duplin County 14, Bladen County 10 Bladen County faced a rematch with Duplin County in the championship game. Despite a strong effort, they came up just short, finishing as runner-ups in the tournament. Alivia Ammons led the team in scoring with seven points, and the team once again played tough defense throughout.

Bladen County Scoring: Aubree Simmons, Alivia Ammons 7, Peyton Moore, Eva Dove0, Aubrey McKeithan 1, Betsy Rojo Martinez, Merideth Cromartie 2.

Though they fell just short of the championship, Bladen County showcased remarkable teamwork, defensive intensity, and resilience.

Their impressive 2-2 performance highlights a bright future for these young athletes as they continue to develop and compete at a high level.