Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

Against zone, Donarski in zone shooting, scores 23 as UNC wins ACC opener

CHAPEL HILL — It’s been clear from the start of the season that No. 24 Carolina has enough perimeter shooting to really flourish offensively if the Tar Heels can shoot consistently from outside the arc. Graduate transfer Lexi Donarski kick-started that with five of her six 3-pointers in the second half, as that shooting prowess produced a season-high 11 3-pointers. The Tar Heels led by 10 late and held on for an 82–76 win over Clemson in their ACC opener Sunday at Carmichael Arena.

Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

Kelly again proves her toughness playing well with stomach bug in her ‘Jordan game’

Anybody who questions Deja Kelly’s toughness and dogged determination isn’t paying attention or is letting her off-the-court persona as “The Queen” mislead them. The 5–8 senior North Carolina guard — who embraces fashion, long fingernails and eyelashes, and beauty — is a relentless competitor who refuses to let physical challenges keep her off the court.

Heels lead by 11 early, give No. 1 Gamecocks scare in impressive effort before falling

CHAPEL HILL — Anybody who thought that top-ranked South Carolina would roll into Chapel Hill and coast to victory didn’t know the character and resolve of No. 24 North Carolina. UNC has a history of giving the national power some of its toughest games, and that was the case again Thursday when the Tar Heels led by as many as 11 points in the first half. They battled admirably before losing 65–58 in the inaugural ACC/SEC Women’s Challenge before a loud and sold-out Carmichael Arena.

UNC survives ice-cold shooting, stages amazing rally to win thriller

ESTERO, Fla. — Carolina’s shooting was as cold as the hockey arena for most of Friday afternoon before shots finally fell and the No. 18 Tar Heels staged an amazing fourth-quarter comeback. The Tar Heels trailed by as many as 13 points but finished the game with a 20–6 run, taking the lead in the final two minutes on their way to a thrilling 54–51 victory over Vermont in the first round of the Gulf Coast Showcase at a chilly Hertz Arena.

Kelly’s determination drives success in basketball, business

CHARLOTTE — It wasn’t supposed to end like that. She refused to let it end like that. Guard Deja Kelly hurt her knee and got carried off the floor in the fourth quarter of Carolina’s second-round NCAA tournament in a game at Ohio State. She returned to the locker room, and most figured she wouldn’t return. But they don’t know Kelly’s passion and determination.