Tabb slows pace of game down, knocks Lady Trojans from ranks of unbeaten

New Kent’s Talayah Wilson (left) and Tiffany Baca-Darden (center) double team Tabb’s Mckenzie Castle (13) to prevent her from passing the ball.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans early success has been the result of fast starts and pressure defense. But with a lack of baskets falling along with the Tabb Lady Tigers dictating the pace, the result ended up being the hosts first loss of the season.

Despite a run to close the gap to five in the waning stages of the game, New Kent Lady Trojans fell 44-32 to the visiting Tabb Lady Tigers during a Dec. 5 match-up.

New Kent had ample opportunities early on to keep the game close. However, the hosts only converted three of 11 free throws in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Tabb countered by dominating the paint thanks to the combination of Isabella Arthur and Makenzie Castle. The duo stayed aggressive on the offensive boards, keeping the high octane and running style of offense in New Kent from even setting up as Tabb controlled the pace for most of the game.

New Kent trailed 34-23 entering the fourth quarter when they made their run at the visitors. Alline Alexander’s pair of baskets along with a score from Evelyn Davenport cut Tabb’s lead down to five (34-29).

The Lady Trojans looked to be in prime position for the comeback before Arthur thwarted the momentum. Two baskets by the center sparked a 10-0 run that returned the Lady Tigers lead to double figures, keeping it their until the expiration of the clock.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach James Montgomery praised the comeback, but also commented that miscues have to be minimized.

“We cut the lead to five there in the fourth, but we can’t turn the ball over like we did against good teams,” he commented. “We didn’t dictate the pace like the other games where we want to score in the sixties and seventies.”

Alexander led New Kent (2-1) in the scoring column with 15 points. Davenport finished with four, Talayah Wilson and Joselyn Slosjarik each tossed in three, and Brie Otey chipped in with two.