MONROE — Behind a career-high 29 points from sophomore guard Shakira Jordan, the Monroe High girls basketball team held on for a 65-57 home win over West Stanly on Tuesday.

Jordan scored 17 of her points before halftime, helping the Redhawks (2-5) to a 32-25 lead at the break. She also finished with eight rebounds and a game-high five steals.

“(Shakira) finally played smart basketball,” said Monroe coach Dwayne Carelock. “She picked her spots and attacked the basket when she could, and the biggest thing was she limited her turnovers. So far this year, turnovers have been a killer for Shakira, but she handled the ball well tonight, made shots and finished.”

West Stanly cut the lead to five with under four minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but could never get closer.

Dequishea McCain added 14 points and six rebounds for Monroe while teammate Morgan Carelock scored eight.

Savanah Miller paced the Colts with 16 points.

Three of Monroe’s four losses this season have come to undefeated teams. The Redhawks lost to Parkwood (6-0) twice and at North Stanly (8-0). Monroe also has a loss to Porter Ridge, which has a 5-1 record.

“We’ve talked about mental toughness all week,” said Carelock. “We’ve had a tough schedule early on. Parkwood’s got a great program and we’ve played them twice, and Porter Ridge is one of the top teams around. We’ve taken our lumps, but we’ve gotten more and more confident every game.”

Monroe boys cruise

Three players scored in double figures to lead Monroe’s boys to a 73-44 victory over West Stanly on Tuesday.

Junior point guard Jamison Crowder scored 18 points and dished out a game-high five assists for the Redhawks (7-0), who jumped out to a 21-4 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Senior guard Quontez Threatt finished with 15 points and six steals while senior post Isaac Blakeney posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Monroe led by as many as 39 in the third quarter before resting its starters for the majority of the fourth.

Andrew Wilson led West Stanly with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Redhawks play at home against first-year Cox Mill High today. The Chargers are coached by Brad Hinson, a 2000 graduate of Monroe who starred in both basketball and football for the Redhawks.