By Jeff Linville

Staff Reporter

JONESVILLE — North Surry’s defense put a lid on the basket during a dominating second half against Starmount.

The Lady Greyhounds trailed big early, but roared back with a defensive effort so strong that the Lady Rams didn’t have a single field goal in the second half.

After halftime, the Hounds outscored the Rams 35-6 as the home team got its only points at the foul line.

Point guard Morgan Midkiff led the defense with four steals, while center Malaya Johnson had six rebounds and a blocked shot.

Starmount came out firing at the start, building a 14-2 lead in the first quarter.

The Hounds coaching staff said the team wasn’t giving the effort and defensive pressure necessary at the start. After that early 12-point deficit, however, the girls responded. They outscored the Rams 24-9 the rest of the first half for a 26-23 halftime lead.

The defense created offensive opportunities, and the Hounds cashed in with a 14-0 third quarter score and a 21-6 fourth quarter.

Kristina Rumplasch led the team with 15 points, while Taylor Hill had 13. Midkiff had nine points and five assists.

Morgan Bunker had four points to go with six rebounds. Johnson scored six in addition to her defensive work.

Also scoring were Kailen Hauser, Erin March and Morgan Shadrick with four each, and Bailey Culler added two.

Starmount was led by juniors Heaven Walters with 10 and Ashton Gregory with eight.

The Hounds are now 3-0 with all of the wins by at least 28 points. They face a stiff challenge on Friday when they travel to Mount Airy (3-0).