Gatewood girls basketball started 2025 with a 36-32 win over Mount De Sales last Friday at home, but a day later, it dropped a 39-36 road decision to Presbyterian Day in Macon.
The game in Eatonton started slowly. After the opening quarter, the Lady Gators led only 3-1, and MDS was on top at 11-9 at halftime.
“Yeah, we had kind of a rough first half,” Gatewood coach Ferdinand Farley Jr. acknowledged after the game. “We were just returning from Christmas break, and I think everyone had a little rust on them. But I was just pleased with the fight, trying to keep going, getting better as we went along.”
Both teams added 12 points to their totals in the third quarter, but Gatewood got it done in the fourth with a 15-9 finish, led by freshman Bela Smith. She scored nine points on the night, highlighted by a made free throw with 15 seconds left that turned out to be the game-winner by breaking a 32-32 tie.
“Yeah, for her to hit those big shots, and she’s just a freshman right now, I can’t wait to see her in the next couple of years,” Farley said. “Once she gets that confidence down and gets some more game-time experience under her belt, look out.”
Farley also said he’s been impressed by junior Natalie Sills. He relies on Sills for her experience on the court and leadership skills.
“She stays on the girls for me; I really couldn't have been more pleased with her,” the first-year head coach said. “She's finally trying to step into that role of being a leader and doing a great job.”
Farley also praised Sarah Mansfield, the team's lone senior, and juniors Lily Huskins, Riley Roberts, and Ellie McMillian for their play and effort.
“Everybody got a chance to give us some good minutes tonight, especially Ellie (McMillian); she gave me some really good minutes off the bench,” he pointed out.
“It’s like I said, I’m just really pleased with them all right now. We’re working together. We’re trying to do it together.” “So, this is the biggest thing for me, I like to see team basketball. I don’t care who does it; I just want everybody to have a part in what we’re trying to do. And they seem to be buying into that, and if we can keep this up, we’ll be right there at the end.”
The Lady Gators will play at home against Windsor Academy on Jan. 7 (after press time) at 5 p.m. in their first region game of the season.
They visit Brentwood in Sandersville on Jan. 9 for another region game. Then, they will return home on Jan. 11 for a 1 p.m. tipoff against Augusta Prep Day.