By DAVIS POTTER / Staff Writer

HOOVER — The Spain Park High School girls’ basketball team started its season in blowout fashion with an 80-29 thrashing of Tuscaloosa County Nov. 9 at the Spain Park High School gymnasium.

Jessica Freeman and Whitney Gulledge each scored 16 points to lead the Jaguars. Freeman also pulled down eight rebounds. Gulledge added three rebounds and three assists.

Ashley Gaston and Colby Ryan chipped in 13 points a piece.

Spain Park head coach Michael Chase, who is in his second year at the helm for the Jaguars, said his team’s offseason work translated into first-game success.

“The kids really put in a lot of time in the summer,” Chase said. “We couldn’t pass, dribble, catch, shoot or do a whole lot of that. Because of the time they put in, we’re starting to be able to do some things and look a little bit like a basketball team. I was pretty pleased for a first game.”

Spain Park got out to a fast start, leading 15-4 after the opening quarter. The Jaguars (1-0) continued their momentum in the second quarter, using hot shooting to outscore the Wildcats 31-6 in the frame to take a 46-10 into the locker room at halftime.

The Jaguars shot 50 percent from the field and hit 16-of-40 three-point attempts to shoot 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Spain Park was also efficient from the free throw line, connecting on 18-of-24 free throws (75 percent).

“We really focused on shooting the outside shot,” Chase said. “We work hard on it. It was nice to see our girls shoot the ball pretty well.”

Kadeshia Giles led Tuscaloosa County (0-1) with 12 points. Kadijah Cooper added 11 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Spain Park will return to action Nov. 16, as the Jaguars travel to Gadsden City.