NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Apprentice School women’s basketball team used a balanced scoring attack and strong defense to defeat South Carolina Central Christian 49-33 Saturday night in the MLK Classic.

Apprentice improved to 9-4 on the season and 3-0 in the NSAC by building a lead in the second quarter and holding firm the rest of the way. Ronnice Berry led the Builders with 21 points, shooting 8-for-18 from the field and hitting four 3-pointers. Shilah-Rayn Lord added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Joy Wright chipped in nine points off the bench to help maintain the advantage.

South Carolina Central Christian dropped to 1-9 and 1-2, struggling offensively throughout the night. Maia Brown scored nine points to lead the visitors, and Adriana Henderson added eight, but the Gladiators shot just 19.4% from the field as Apprentice’s defense disrupted their rhythm.

The Builders sealed the victory with balanced contributions and limited S4C to single figures in three of four quarters.

Image courtesy Apprentice Athletics and Kaitlyn Olson @picsbyk8lyn