Smithfield presses New Kent into submission, wins 79-22

Having no answer for Smithfield’s full court zone press meant a long night for New Kent’s host Lady Trojans. Capitalizing on frequent turnovers, the visiting Lady Packers scored early and often on the way to a 79-22 win.

Last Thursday’s loss dropped New Kent to 0-4 in Bay Rivers District basketball while Smithfield improved to 4-1.

“We showed good things every now and then,” Lady Trojan coach Lauren Davis said. “But then good teams go on runs and we can’t recover.”

Despite not getting off a shot from the floor over the first 3:15 of the contest, New Kent absorbed Smithfield’s 7-0 opening surge.

Ta’racya Winston’s second of two free throws got the hosts on the scoreboard before back-to-back baskets off penetration by Rachel Baldwin closed the gap to 9-5 with under a minute to go in the first quarter.

But Smithfield upped the pressure several notches after that, embarking on a 13-0 run to open a 22-5 advantage. New Kent’s Alexis Elliot scored to end the run, but 11 unanswered points had the visitors cruising 33-7 with 3:30 left in the half.

In the first half, New Kent launched just 16 field goal attempts, sinking three, while turning the ball over on 20 occasions.

Baldwin led New Kent with six points while Alexis Newbill scored five followed by Raven Randall’s four, two each from Elliott, Sarah Crumbly, and Sarah Barnett, and Winston’s one.

Smithfield placed three in double figures led by Jackie Jordan’s 18.

“We’re young and inexperienced and we’re having to start from scratch trying to teach fundamentals,” Davis said. “It’s going to take time teaching the fundamentals they’ve never been taught.”

In the JV game, Smithfield took a 7-2 lead after one quarter and gradually pulled away from there for a 40-28 win.

Anna Mathis poured in 17 points to lead New Kent. Mariya Whiteside finished with six while Brittany LaPrade totaled four and Emi Peterson contributed one.