Staff report

SALISBURY — The North Rowan girls held off a strong challenge from winless A.L. Brown to claim a 45-40 win, Saturday morning in the Dale’s/Sam Moir Christmas Classic at Catawba College’s Goodman Gym.

The victory, in a game that was tight all the way, gave the Cavaliers seventh place in the tournament. North (4-6) led, 17-16, at the half and 32-30, after three periods against the Wonders (0-10).

North was finally able to gain a little separation midway in the final period as Makiya McDaniel hit a follow shot, then Hannah Wilkerson scored, making it 40-34.

Jillian Brim scored five quick points for the Wonders to trim the margin to 41-39, with just over two minutes left, but the team was only able to score one more point down the stretch.

Wilkerson closed out a productive tournament for North with 21 points, while point guard Natavia Taborn added 12. North also had a strong night at the line, hitting 17 of 24 free throws

Jala Campbell led A.L. Brown with 15 points, including four 3-pointers, while Jaliyah Simmons scored 14.

A.L. BROWN (40) — Campbell 15, Simmons 14, Brim 5, Smotherson 4, Davis 2, Flynn, Corpening, Yow.

NORTH ROWAN (44) — Wilkerson 21, Taborn 12, McDaniel 6, Robbins 4, Sherrill 2, McDonald, Shoaf.

A.L. Brown             6    10    12    12  — 40

North Rowan         7    10    15    13  — 45