Lady Trojans snap four-game losing skid with convincing win over Smithfield

By Robb Johnson | January 3, 2024 2:23 am

New Kent’s Hannah Milby (left) battles with Smithfield’s Jordan Watkins (right) for possession of the ball early in the second quarter.

Robb Johnson photo

After opening the season with two wins, New Kent’s Lady Trojans have struggled to find victory, dropping their last four contests. With the turn of the calendar to 2024, the Lady Trojans hope their season continues to be positive as Tuesday night’s match-up against the invading Smithfield Lady Packers.

After only leading by a mere point after the first quarter, New Kent’s defense ramped up to outscore Smithfield 43-9 the rest of the way to earn a 56-21 Bay Rivers District victory and snap their losing skid.

New Kent built a five-point lead early with Emily Ward’s inside basket and Hannah Milby’s jumper. After the visitors cut the lead back down to two (7-5), Lady Trojan Alline Alexander answered with a three-pointer to double the hosts’ advantage.

The Lady Packers didn’t back down, utilizing a 7-3 run to close the opening quarter as Jada Collins sank two free throws and a trifecta as part of that rally that resulted in New Kent holding onto a 13-12 lead.

But from there, it was all New Kent as pressure defense catapulted the hosts to a 15-6 run in the second quarter. Alexander’s three-pointer with five seconds remaining provided the Lady Trojans a 30-18 halftime lead. From there, the hosts kept the Lady Packers in check, outscoring them 20-2 in the third quarter before closing out the contest with a win.

After the game, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach James Montgomery spoke about the victory.

“They (Smithfield) handled our pressure and then we went to a triangle and a box and one,” he commented, switching defenses in the second quarter. “We had a great day of practice, so I was extremely proud of the defensive effort we showed from the start.”

New Kent (3-4) received a game-high 25 points from Alexander, while Evelyn Davenport also finished in double figures with 15 points. Milby tossed in five, Talayah Wilson contributed four, Joselyn Slosjarik pumped in three, and the duo of Ward and Brie Otey chipped in with two apiece.