With a 19-2 run in the first quarter and 22 straight points during a long stretch of the second and third periods, Nansemond River’s girls basketball squad completed the first half of its Southeastern District schedule with a 61-31 rout over visiting Hickory Thursday night.

Junior center Lisa Sharpe was the main force the visitors couldn’t contend with. Sharpe totaled 26 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks.

Outside of the lanes on both ends of the court, Nansemond River’s swarming, trapping defense was an excellent fit to go with Sharpe’s play inside. It just took a couple minutes for the Lady Warrior defense to get going.

Last week in what turned out to be an easy district win at Great Bridge, Lady Warrior head coach Calvin Mason Sr. called a timeout in a scoreless game barely more than a minute into the action.

Mason needed to deliver the same wake-up call again. With a 3-1 Hickory lead and 6:19 to play in the opening period, Mason called timeout and convened his huddle 25 feet out onto the court, near the midcourt line.

Ashante Humphries drained a three-pointer for a 6-6 score. Humphries drove inside and dished to Sharpe for a lay-in and an 8-6 NR lead. NR’s pressing resulted in Jenel Cannon’s steal and a fast break. After a couple rebounds, Sharpe tossed in a stick-back shot and was fouled for a three-point play.

Sharpe scored 11 points in the first eight minutes. The Lady Warriors trailed 5-1 but dominated the next five minutes to end the period ahead 20-7. NR forced 11 Hickory turnovers in the first period and continued at nearly the same pace for the next two quarters.

The Lady Hawks were working their way back into the contest through part of the second period until a sudden 7-0 Lady Warrior rally reclaimed all the momentum.

Briana McClain hit a three-pointer, Sharpe turned another rebound into a basket and Kyri Davis finished a drive with a scoop shot off the glass for a 30-14 Lady Warrior advantage.

NR rolled on to a 33-14 halftime lead and a 45-14 lead with 3:21 remaining in the third period. McClain added more outside shooting and Kennia Webb added more energy off the bench. Webb finished with four points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists, all coming in the second half.

Sharpe shot 10-of-17 from the field and 6-of-7 at the foul line. McClain added 10 points and four steals. Humphries had eight points, six assists and five rebounds.

The Lady Warriors (9-3, 8-1) played at Lakeland Friday night. Grassfield visits Nansemond River Tuesday evening.