Yetis Battle Through Georgia Tournament with Overtime Thriller and Key Win

The Cleveland Community College women's basketball team battled through a three-game tournament swing in Georgia, showing grit in a one-possession overtime thriller, responding with a strong win the next day, and then finishing the trip against a physical Chipola squad.

Game 1: Yetis Push Eastern Florida State to Overtime, Fall 77–69 (Dec. 29)

Cleveland opened the tournament with a heavyweight fight against Eastern Florida State, forcing overtime before eventually dropping a 77–69 decision. The Yetis stayed within striking distance throughout regulation, tying the game late and sending it to the extra period after a strong third quarter.

Jada Whitesides carried the offensive load with 27 points, attacking downhill and living at the free-throw line (12-for-16). Kari Lee added 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while De'Mya Phifer contributed eight points and a steady two-way presence with three steals and two blocks. Haley Dalton battled inside for seven rebounds, adding two blocks and physical minutes in the paint.

Eastern Florida State's Bruna DaSilva proved to be the difference-maker with 31 points, including six threes, and the Titans' size showed up on the boards as they finished with a 49–27 rebounding edge.

Game 2: Cleveland Controls the Tempo in 70–62 Win Over St. Petersburg (Dec. 30)

Cleveland responded the next afternoon with a composed 70–62 win over St. Petersburg College, jumping out early and holding the lead the rest of the way. The Yetis led 21–11 after the first quarter, setting the tone defensively and forcing tough possessions.

The scoring came from multiple spots. Whitesides posted 13 points and was again a force at the stripe (11-for-13) while grabbing five rebounds and coming away with four steals. Phifer matched her with 13 points on efficient shooting (6-for-10). Lee finished with 11 points, two assists, and two steals, and Isabella Childs gave Cleveland a boost off the bench with 12 points.

Dalton was huge on the glass with six rebounds and a perfect 3-for-3 night from the field. Cleveland took care of the ball with just 10 turnovers, a key difference in a game where St. Petersburg tried to win with second-chance looks (48 rebounds).

Game 3: Yetis Run into Chipola, Fall 69–54 (Dec. 31)

In the finale, Cleveland faced a tough Chipola College team and fell 69–54. A difficult second quarter (Chipola 23–6) created separation, and the Indians' rebounding and physicality controlled the flow.

Phifer led the Yetis with 20 points on 9-for-18 shooting, consistently finding space to score. Kiya Shavers added nine points, knocking down three three-pointers, and Lee chipped in seven points and three assists. Whitesides added four points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Dalton contributed with defense and rim protection, recording two blocks.

Chipola dominated the glass 54–21, turning extra possessions into points and limiting Cleveland's second-chance opportunities.

Tournament Takeaway

Cleveland's tournament run featured a little of everything—an overtime nail-biter, a bounce-back win powered by team defense and free throws, and a final matchup that highlighted the importance of rebounding against elite size. Whitesides and Phifer were the consistent scoring sparks, while Lee, Dalton, and Childs each delivered key moments as the Yetis gained valuable experience against strong out-of-state competition.