Mortimer Jordan senior Nicole Goldsmith (24) passes the ball in an Area 11 win over Corner on Tuesday night.

KIMBERLY—It was oh-so good to be back home for the Mortimer Jordan girls basketball team on Tuesday night, as they locked up the No. 1 seed in the Class 5A, Area 11 Basketball Tournament with a 64-29 win over Corner.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Kelly Robinson, the girls seem to be building confidence late in the season. The Blue Devils currently sit at 16-5 overall with a league mark of 5-0.

“They’re giving me a good effort every night. Now they’re starting to figure out how to stay in their offense but still play basketball,” said Robinson.

“You’ve got to put the system in, and once they learn where to be then you can add ‘OK, we’re in the right spots. If they do this now we can do this. If they take away thins, then they’re giving us this.’ That’s what they’ve had to learn and they’re putting into practice now,” he continued.

Once again, Mortimer Jordan got a strong effort from point guard Kaylan Hines. She ran the offense well all night, finishing with a game-high 17 points and numerous assists. She did some of her best work in the second quarter.

With the Blue Devils leading 13-6 after one, Hines started the second frame with a steal and finish on the other end. She quickly got back in transition with an assist to Nicole Goldsmith and followed with another steal and layup. Fellow guard Jadyn Allen then went to the top of the key for a triple, and just like that Mortimer Jordan led 24-8.

On the final play of the first half, Hines came off a screen and pulled up for a 15-foot jumper at the horn. The Blue Devils went to the locker room with a 30-12 advantage. 

Allen started the second half right with a beautiful assist to Goldsmith followed by another 3-pointer, as the lead grew to 21. Allen finished the night with 12 points.

Corner did find some rhythm in the third quarter. Kliegh Jewell, Maddie Perricotti and Brantly Bonds each connected from behind the arc before Ashley Cox closed the frame with a mid-range basket. The Yellow Jackets posted 15 points in the third quarter, but trailed by 21 with eight minutes to go. 

Mortimer Jordan won the fourth by a count of 16-2. 

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.