BLADENBORO – Sophomore Mallory Bryan tossed in 14 points Wednesday night to lead West Bladen to a 31-21 non-conference girls’ basketball victory over Lakewood.
The Lady Knight defense stymied the Lady Leopards allowing only 2 points in the 1st half. Juniors Azillyah McDonald and Hannah Pait tossed in baskets as West Bladen took an early 4-0 lead.
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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong
“That was a key basket by Azillyah early and Hannah gave us some big minutes tonight as she works herself back into game shape,” said Lady Knight Coach Brian McCleney.
Bryan pumped in a trio of baskets in the 2nd quarter, Kirsten Warrick threw in a basket, and senior Olivia McCarty hit a free throw that pushed the West halftime lead to 13-2.
Hannah Pait started the 2nd half with a basket, Bryan popped in a 16-footer, and sophomore Megan Pait drove to the basket for a lay-up and a 19-2 West lead. Bryan attacked the basket for a lay-up then sank 2 foul shots. McCarty powered in a follow shot to pad the lead to 25-10.
Sophomore Brookee Singletary made a free throw, then rolled in a runner off of an assist from Megan Pait that grew the lead to 26-15. The Lady Leopards closed to within 9 points, but McCarty cashed in a free throw, and Bryan drove for a clinching lay-up with 53 seconds remaining.
McCarty and Hannah Pait followed Bryan with 4 points each for West Bladen. Gwendolyn King led Lakewood with 5 points.
“We made some good plays, but we got bad on our defensive rotation in the second half,” said McCleney. “Mallory had 2 or 3 good drives, and Megan had 1 down the middle.”
West Bladen still has 2 of their top players sidelined by contact tracing. “We will get back in the gym and just keep working,” said McCleney.
The Lady Knights, now 4-2, will play at East Columbus on December 17th.
Lakewood 0 2 11 8 -21
West Bladen 4 9 12 6 – 31
Lakewood (21) – Kiyah Braxton 4, Sariya Doss 3, Gwendolyn King 5, Sabrena Hogan 2, Honestee Williams 3, Tiyah Owens 4.
WB (31) – Lainey Autry, Megan Pait 2, Mallory Bryan 14, Holland Davis, Azillyah McDonald 2, Kirsten Warwick 2, Brookee Singletary 3, Kiera Lewis, Hannah Pait 4, Olivia McCarty 4.
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