WHITMIRE - The Whitmire Community School girls' basketball team christened its new gym in a huge way by defeating in-county foe Newberry 44-32 Monday.

The game was the first for the Wolverines in their new on-campus gym. Reigning Region I-AA Player of the Year Kim Geyer opened her senior season with a huge game. The forward led the Wolverines with 18 points, 26 rebounds and four blocks. Geyer's eight first-quarter points helped Whitmire take an early 13-6 advantage.

The Bulldogs opened the second quarter on a 9-2 run, capped off by a layup by Shartarra Sheppard. The Bulldogs' guard was fouled on the basket and made her free throw to tie the game up 15-15 with 3:38 to play in the first half.

Newberry stayed close until the Wolverines went on an 16-2 run during an 11 minute span in the second half. The defending Region III-2A champions were held without a field goal for nearly 10 minutes in the half.

Sharae Baxter led the Bulldogs with seven points, while Sheppard and Teuana Vanlue added six points each.

Konica Praylow pitched in three, while Kristi Floyd, Rain Bates and Elaine Parr added two.

Crystal Wallace had a big game off the bench for the Wolverines as she finished with nine points and six rebounds.

Lyndie McDaniel scored nine points, while point guard Joycelyn Hopp added six points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Forward Elaina Alcocer didn't score but dished out five assists and pulled down eight rebounds.

The Wolverines faced Saluda last night, but results were not available at press time. They will be back in action Friday when they travel to Newberry Academy for a 6 p.m. game. Newberry will host Chapin Friday at 6 p.m.

WCS rallies past Saluda

The Whitmire girls' basketball rallied from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to stun Saluda 49-44 last night at home.

Kim Geyer led the Wolverines with 21 points, while Crystal Wallace added 14. Joycelyn Hopp pitched in seven.