Jeff Linville | The News

Surry Central’s Brittany Lewis scores off a pass from Tess Dockery (10) in transition. Despite battling the flu, Lewis posted 14 points in a win over West Stokes.

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DOBSON — Cassidy Joyner’s five three-pointers sparked the Lady Eagles to a 61-36 win over West Stokes.

Joyner posted 19 points, but Surry Central also got a second-quarter lift from center Brittany Lewis, who posted 10 of the Eagles’ 14 points to build an eight-point halftime edge.

Lewis hit a bank shot in the paint, then an 18-footer from the left wing and a close shot in traffic as Central stretched an 18-15 first-quarter lead to 26-19.

Lewis scored off a pass in transition, then off a breakaway layup as the lead went to 32-22 before the Lady Wildcats hit a shot in the final seconds for a 32-24 halftime score.

West Stokes packed the lane and slowed down the Central offense in the opening minutes. The Cats held a 9-6 lead before Joyner hit a three, two free throws and another three for a 14-13 lead.

The Cats were led by Makala Bozman, who scored 13 straight points for the team over the first and second quarters.

In the second half, the Eagles shut Bozman down, limiting her to just three points. Teammate Chris Madigan picked up some of the slack by getting to the foul line repeatedly, going 6-8.

Bozman hit a close shot and Madigan two foul shots as West Stokes edged closer at 34-28. Coach Mandy Holt called a timeout with 3:14 in the quarter.

Whatever comments Holt made or changes she implemented in the huddle certainly seemed to work. The Eagles dominated after that, finishing the game on a 27-8 run.

The game kept West Stokes winless in conference play. The Cats were 4-0 in nonconference play, but have lost all four Northwest games to Surry Central, East Surry, North Surry and Mount Airy.

Surry Central (6-3) evened its record in the Northwest to 2-2, bouncing back from a loss to North Surry earlier this week.

Holt said she noticed a lack of energy on her team against the Hounds, but couldn’t get the team fired up. Little did she know, several girls on the team were starting to come down with the flu.

Lewis played despite being sick the past few days. Kristin Key and Marlee Wilmoth sat in their warmup gear and didn’t play at all.

Holt said Sarah Bruce played a courageous game as her heart was with her family. Bruce’s grandfather was rushed to the hospital earlier in the day.

Sarah wanted to be with him, but her grandmother wanted Sarah to play, the coach said.

Bruce scored eight points and grabbed three boards while helping shut down Bozman in the second half.

“Tess (Dockery) had four steals,” said Holt. “She played one heck of a defensive game. The whole team gave her credit for that.” The point guard also handed out four assists and converted three layups for six points.

Joyner finished the night 5-6 from deep, good for 83 percent. She added four rebounds and three assists to her 19 points.

Lewis posted 14 points and three boards. Courtney Hegler had nine points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals.

Kendra Johnson and Mikayla Cox had two points each off the bench.

With exams Monday through Wednesday, the Lady Eagles won’t be in action again until playing Mount Airy next Friday.