By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com

Rachael Exum scored 42 points to lead Lowcountry Prep School past Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach 73-41 on Tuesday night.

It was a school record for a Fighting Marlins girls player, and the second milestone this season for Exum, who scored her 1,000th career point on Jan. 6.

"I wasn't expecting it," Exum said.

"She was in a zone," coach Danny Bell said. "She was special, but not without her team doing the dirty work for her."

Lowcountry Prep started the game strong holding Christian Academy in single digits until about 2 minutes left in the first quarter.

But the Saints went on a run, closing the gap to 15-12 at the end of the first quarter.

The Fighting Marlins extended the lead to 27-16 at the half and then went on a 13-3 run at the beginning of the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

Bell was impressed with the victory, considering he was missing five players due to illness and other circumstances.

"We stepped up as a team," he said. "Our overall hustle was the difference."

"It gives me hope that we can win a state championship if we play like this all the time," Exum said.

Winifer Mercado had six points and 14 rebounds, Elizabeth Zieser had nine points and 10 rebounds, and Sydney Derrick had eight points and 11 rebounds.