CHAPEL HILL — Having struggled to combat the length of the Forrest Lady Rockets in the first half, Cascade responded with a stellar effort in the third quarter that cut Forrest's lead to single digits.

But a handful of missed shots at key points in the second half prevented the Lady Champs from finishing off the comeback.

Forrest connected on just enough shots in the second half to knock off Cascade, 53-40.

“We missed a couple of key layups and eight or nine foul shots and we lost by 13. Those things, we have to keep improving to get where we want to be,” Lady Champion head coach Kendall Hampton said.

After a three by Forrest's Laura Mealer opened the third quarter to put the Lady Rockets up 29-15, Cascade responded with a stellar run that cut the Lady Rocket lead to single digits following a basket by Jordan Green at the 4:20 mark of the third.

Forrest, however, responded with its own min-run courtesy of Mealer, who scored seven points to close the quarter over the final 2:50.

Cascade had its chances to keep the game close into the fourth as well, but struggled to get shots to fall at key points in the quarter.

As a team, the Lady Champs connected on just two 3-pointers in the loss—a stat which Hampton says needs to improve to provide more balance to the offense.

“That's a big part of our offense. If we can't get it to our post, we have to hit those outside shots,” she said.

Friday's game was the first after a slew of cancellations forced an extended break in the game action.

“We're all having trying seasons. Starting the season without any scrimmages or playdays, then playing two games and not having played in three weeks, it's like starting all over again. I think that's definitely played a role in our consistency, but there's definitely improvement,” Hampton said.

MaKenna Lamb led the Lady Champs with 13 points, while Mealer led all scorers with 20 to pace the Lady Rockets.

Forrest's size and length gave Cascade struggles in setting up the halfcourt offense throughout the contest.

“They were definitely good about stopping the ball and helping in the post. My guards definitely have to get better of recognizing when they're open and to shoot the ball,” Hampton said.

Still, the game had several bright spots including the minutes played by freshmen who saw the court.

Abrielle Presley scored five points off the bench, including one of the team's two made 3-pointers.

“Both of the freshmen who played were very positive while out there. Presley has been out with an injury. I'm really excited what she's going to bring to the table,” Hampton said.

For now, the Lady Champs are happy to be back on the court with some level of regularity and hope to continue building on the positives from Friday night.

“We have to take our small victories and try to keep building,” Hampton added.

Cascade will be back on its home court on Tuesday evening against Marshall County.

Cascade 8 7 11 14 — 40

Forrest 17 9 15 12 — 53

Cascade: MaKenna Lamb 13, Jordan Green 7, Lani Jones 6, Abrielle Presley 5, Annabelle Calvert 4, Maddie Crosslin 3, Caroline McKamey 2.

Forrest: Laura Mealer 20, Macyn Kirby 9, Addison Bunty 9, Alex Davenport 7, Megan Mealer 4, Sam Hopkins 2, Juli Edde 2.

3-Point goals: Forrest (4): L. Mealer 2, Kirby, Bunty; Cascade (2): Jones, Presley.

Halftime score: Forrest 26, Cascade 15.