Tar Heels defeat High Point with Hatchell in stands

The North Carolina women’s basketball team had yet to take the floor Saturday against High Point, but the crowd in Carmichael Arena had already erupted during what was the most boisterous applause of the night.

After pregame introductions, the spotlight that initially shined upon the players gently shifted up to the balcony. And sitting there, adjacent to the banner commemorating her 900th career victory, was coach Sylvia Hatchell.

The moment had been highly anticipated following the press release Friday that said Hatchell —who announced Oct. 14 she would temporarily step down due to a leukemia diagnosis — would be in attendance to see her team play in person for the first time this season.

And with their beloved coach onlooking, the No. 14 Tar Heels (11-2) drubbed the Panthers (5-6) 103-71 in the team’s final game of 2013.

Following the game, freshman point guard Jessica Washington, who finished with 12 points and a perfect 6:0 assist-to-turnover ratio, expressed the sentiments of the team regarding coach Hatchell’s appearance.

“It feels really good to see her up there watching us play,” Washington said. “I know she gets to see us play on the computer and on the TV, but just being able to see her up there is exciting for the team.”

But perhaps that excitement was an early hinderance, as the players appeared to let their emotions get the best of them — failing to convert on a few layup opportunities. At the first official timeout 4:46 into the game, UNC had only managed to grab hold of a 5-4 lead despite six shot attempts in the paint.

The Tar Heels surmounted the early struggles, however, coming out of the timeout. The team went on a 14-2 run until High Point was forced to call a timeout at the 12:22 mark following a steal and fast-break layup by junior guard Danielle Butts, who tallied 14 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists coming of the bench.

Butts’ performance was key for UNC as freshman guard Diamond DeShields, who entered Saturday’s game leading the Tar Heels with 16 points per game, was forced to leave midway through the first half.

DeShields was driving to the right of the basket for a layup when she was bashed by the opposing defender while in midair. She hit the ground with a loud thud and agonized in pain as the trainer looked at her left hand.

Associate head coach Andrew Calder said after the game that X-rays on DeShields’ hand came back negative and he believes she won’t miss any time.

Sophomore forward Xylina McDaniel, who led the team with 16 points on the night, said DeShields’ injury served as supplemental motivation for the team.

“I think that also gave a lot us of energy,” McDaniel said. “Whenever one of our players gets hurt during the game, it’s like now we have to play not for just coach Hatchell but now that player that’s out. I think we adjusted well.

“It wasn’t that hard, because we are used to playing with each other. But it was different, because you’re so used to her being out on the court with you.”

Without their leading scorer, the Tar Heels were in need of a more balanced attack, and that’s exactly what they got as the team finished with six players scoring in double figures.

Saturday’s win culminated what has been a very busy week for the team, but coach Calder praised his team for the resilience it displayed.

“The team continues to work hard,” Calder said. “They came back Wednesday night and had tough weights on Thursday. They came to practice yesterday and worked extremely hard.

“[It’s been] nine days in a row, so it’s been tough, but they’ve responded all the way.”