The Virginian-Pilot
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On Fat Tuesday, She'la White gave Norfolk Collegiate another reason to celebrate. White scored a career-best 44 points as the Oaks (19-1 overall, 6-0 TCIS) handed Walsingham Academy (18-1, 5-1) its first loss of the season, 79-50 – and on the Trojans’ home court, no less.
"I'm overwhelmed. It's nice," said White about her total.
It shouldn't be too startling. White, a senior guard headed to North Carolina, came into the game tops in the TCIS in scoring, at a shade under 21 points per game. She had almost equaled that average by the end of the first half, scoring 20 and guiding the Oaks, the top-ranked team among Division I private schools, to a 39-26 advantage.
The 44 points tied a school record for boys or girls. Tara Voke also scored 44 points in 1986-7.
Considering the opponent was undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state among Division II teams, White put the onus on herself to perform. "I knew I had to play well,” she said. “Every time we play them it's a tough game."
White was white-hot from the start. She hit her first field goal attempt to put Norfolk Collegiate ahead 2-0. The Oaks never surrendered their early lead en route to their 16th win by double-digits this season.
Norfolk Collegiate coach Suzanne Midkiff didn't know where to begin in complimenting White. "You can't say enough about her. She always seems to find the right player at the right time," said Midkiff.
When White wasn't looking for her teammates, she was seeking her own shot – with excellent results.
The Oaks were able to hold Walsingham's Caroline Wilkie, second in the TCIS in scoring entering the game, to 15 points and only two field goals. Wilkie had just 6 points at the half, all from the charity stripe.
Midkiff gave credit to defender Mary Kelly, who was in charge of guarding Wilkie. "Even though she [gave up a few inches, we knew her intelligence would help her overcome that (height disadvantage)," Midkiff said.
White and Wilkie had a duel to open the fourth quarter, but White got the best of it. Wilkie had the Trojans first four points to start the final quarter, but White had the Oaks first nine, including the last of her five threes, which opened up a 73-44 advantage.
Kelly Karkowski, who paced the Trojans with 21 points and Wilkie were able to get to the line in the first half, but Norfolk Collegiate began the third on a 7-0 run to take a 20-point lead, at 46-26.
White made sure the gap stayed huge by closing out the quarter with a three, followed by a three-point play, making a basket and a free throw and putting the Oaks in front 64-39.
Markell Smith added 14 points for the Oaks.
White, who has only failed to reach double figures on one occasion this season, said she wouldn't make it a point to break her new career-high.
"I just want to reach 2,000 (career points)," she said.
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