Wildcats back to Final Four for 2nd time in 3 years

The Lake Norman Wildcats women’s basketball team has been there before, and will be headed back next Wednesday night to face McDowell at Wake Forest University. After a hard-core match-up vs rival Watauga, the lady wildcats once again prevailed with a big win.

It was a huge night for seniors Adason Buoniconti, Alexis Shehan, Samantha Shehan, Aliya Williams, and Addison Sirianni. Win or lose Friday night was the final time they would play at Lake Norman High School. These girls have been nearly unstoppable throughout their entire career inside of Iredell County. From grade school, to middle and high school, they have dominated in all aspects of the game. It is only fitting for them to go out this year undefeated at home, with a chance for the state championship.

As always Watauga travels well and showed up in force to cheer on their Pioneers. It was nothing short of an epic back and forth battle that had the Lake Norman wildcats down by 9 at one point. The Pioneer’s crowd was loud and in to the game from the very beginning. They definitely showed up to play.

Defense was key for Lake Norman as they were stifling in all aspects. Watauga deserves credit for they handled the pressure well but in the end the shots wouldn’t fall for them. By the time the 4^th quarter rolled around they simply ran out of steam. This was largely due to the many contested shots by a very scrappy Lake Norman defensive unit. 3-time defensive player of the year and specialist Addison Sirianni picked up two early fouls for the wildcats which was of concern. However, upon returning to the game a short time later managed to use her senior experience to not pick up a third while being able to remain a force on the court. She was second on the team in assists with 7 on the night. Adason Buoniconti had a few steals herself on defense along with Alexis Shehan (3). Buoniconti also had two big 3-point shots that changed the momentum of the game. The wildcats Alexis Shehan finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds. 10 of them coming defensively which shut down the pioneers. Buoniconti had 11 assists leading the wildcats and Kelsey Rhyne led the team with 29 points. Rhyne, the Naval Academy commit junior, lit the gymnasium up with her long-range bombs. She missed a few threes early but found her range fast and couldn’t miss. In the 4^th quarter with the game coming down to the wire, Rhyne was unstoppable hitting from WNBA range.

Rayana Minard, junior, is playing some great basketball as of late. We are still waiting for a fist bump from her domination game changing performance back against Hickory Ridge in the conference tournament final. Wow, is all I have to say about that. Lake Norman was struggling that night, in foul trouble, and not on their game. Minard took it upon herself to propel the Wildcats to victory. Friday night was no different as when she entered the game made two great moves ending in layups. Minard finished with 9 points all coming at key points of the game burning defenders to the hole for easy buckets.

Samantha Shehan finished the game with 14 points herself and was key in the paint along with Kaiya Bond grabbing 5 rebounds. Kaylee Ellis (Miss Hustle) came in for relief and put massive pressure on Watauga with the Wildcats tenacious press defense.

All eyes will be on Lake Norman Wednesday night as they take on undefeated McDowell High School. This game will be one of the best in an action-packed day of regional champions being crowned.

This is not new territory for the Wildcats. They played in the state chamionship only 2 years ago and lost a thriller late. They are looking for redemption and to bring that state title back to Mooresville, North Carolina. A very tough McDowell team stands in the way of a return trip to the final.

All photography done by Kami Bodine Photography.

Statistical information provided by Josh Shehan.