ROSEBORO – Senior Laikyn Pait poured in 21 points to lead West Bladen to a season-opening 39-30 girls basketball victory over Lakewood.
It wasn’t easy,” said Knight Coach Rick Rhoda. “Overall we played well for a first game. I was really proud of the defense. We forced some turnovers with our pressure.”
Pait tossed in 2 baskets and sank 2 of 3 free throws in the opening quarter as the Lady Knights edged in front 8-7.
In the second period, Pait fired in 2 more buckets and connected on all 4 of her foul shots to spark a 17-7 West spurt. Senior Logan Autry nailed a 3-point shot and added a free throw, and junior Elizabeth Allbright and senior Jerena Purdie worked the paint for a basket each as the Lady Knights built a 25-14 halftime lead.
Senior Akira Grimes, Pait and junior Patience Parker made 2 free throws each, and sophmore Conner Brisson netted one as West Bladen maintained a 32-23 lead at the third quarter break.
Autry and Pait dropped in one basket each in the final period, and Pait converted a trio of free throws to keep the Lady Knights on top.
Autry finished with 6 points for West Bladen. Kiarye Bailey drained a pair of 3-point shots and led the Lady Leopards with 15 points.
“We pushed the ball up the floor really well, and got some good looks at the basket,” said Coach Rhoda. “We need to work on keeping the opponent off their offensive boards.”
West Bladen converted 20 of 44 free throws, while Lakewood only made 8 of 33 foul shots. Pait connected on 11 of her 17 free throws to lead the Lady Knights at the line.
West Bladen will host Red Springs Tuesday at 6 p.m.
West Bladen (39) – Conner Brisson 1, Mikayla Winebarger, Kaylee Stevens, Erica McKoy, Patience Parker 3, Logan Autry 6, Indiyah Williams, Laikyn Pait 21, Jenna Dove 1, Elizabeth Allbright 2, Akira Grimes 3, Jerena Purdie 2.
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