No basketball coach wants to play three times in three days and finish with a 1-2 record.

If there is a situation where it’s worth it, though, it was Nansemond River’s trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. last week for the Crescent Bank Invitational girls basketball tournament.

“The competition there was probably a step above what we even expected,” said Nansemond River head coach Calvin Mason Sr.

The Lady Warriors went into the tournament undefeated through four Southeastern District games in the early stages of their schedule.

“The level of competition was a lot higher than what this group has previously seen. It was a good challenge. Every team in the tournament was a really good team, so we couldn’t take a night off,” Mason said.

The Lady Warriors had the opportunity to take a couple days off before taking the court. They left Suffolk Friday morning and played their opening game Monday night, in what turned out to be a loss to the hosts Myrtle Beach High.

On Sunday the Myrtle Beach Convention Center hosted a collegiate tripleheader with the feature game being North Carolina vs. South Carolina.

“We watched the whole Carolina vs. Carolina game and parts of the other two,” Mason said.

After the opening loss, Nansemond River beat Marion (S.C.) 61-47. Marion was 7-2 heading into the game.

Norfolk Christian eliminated the Lady Warriors 65-51. The Lady Ambassadors improved to 9-1 with the win.

Junior center Lisa Sharpe had an outstanding week. She averaged 16.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Sharpe made 18-of-35 (51.4 percent) from the field and 14-for-18 (77.8 percent) at the foul line.

“She still is having some problems with her quad injury,” Mason said, “but I thought she really played up to the level of the competition every night. She definitely was one of the best post players there.”

“Nearly all the teams were in their state tournament or even won a state title last year,” Mason said.

Guards Jenel Cannon and Briana McClain averaged 8.7 and 7.0 points per game respectively.

The Lady Warriors (5-2, 4-0) are getting ready for a hectic resumption of Southeastern play on Tuesday hosting Western Branch, on Wednesday at Indian River and on Friday at Great Bridge.

“Hopefully this prepared us and gets us to know the type of work it takes to get better,” Mason said.