DURHAM – Many believed Ridgecroft School belonged in the top eight of the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 1-A girl’s playoffs.

The Rams entered Tuesday night’s playoffs 21-3 – a better record than seven of the eight schools seeded ahead of them – including the team hosting them in the opening round of the playoffs – Cresset Christian Academy (15-10) of Durham.

Ridgecroft, who drew the number nine seed, didn’t talk about the slight in seeding, however, they did something about it. The Rams jumped out to an early lead and held off a late comeback attempt by the home team to win 43-40.

“It was a good win for us,” Lady Rams’ Head Coach Susan Oliver said. “We didn’t play as well as we’re capable of and still came away with a win in the first round of the playoffs, so I’m pleased with that.”

Lauren Colson paced the Rams during the victory, scoring 16 points for Ridgecroft. Hennie Larabee was also in double figures with 11 points. Miller Bryant and Brice Harrison scored seven each while Sara Hackney added two.

Megan Weber led Cresset with 12 points.

The contest was close in the early going – tied nine-all at the end of the first quarter – but Ridgecroft pulled ahead 22-14 by halftime.

They led 32-22 heading into the final quarter and held off a late Cresset rally.

The win means the Lady Rams (22-3) will meet top-seeded Word of God Christian Academy (16-1) today (Thursday) at 10 a.m.

“We know what we’re getting into with Word of God,” Oliver said. “They are obviously a very good basketball team, but we will go out and do our best against them. We’re not going to lie down and die, we’re going to compete.”