The Whale Branch girls asserted their claim to move up in the state rankings after opening their season with a convincing 54-30 road win over Estill on Tuesday in a matchup of top-five teams in Class 1A.
Zhani Thompson poured in 20 points and Erin Rivers added 16 to lead the offensive attack for the fifth-ranked Warriors, who had little trouble putting away the No. 4 Gators.
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Kynew Barnwell and Jazmin Diaz helped spearhead a strong defensive effort, limiting Estill star Tamyia Hutchinson to seven points, all of which came in the second and third quarters.
The Warriors (1-0) host crosstown rival Battery Creek on Friday.