In game of runs, New Kent outlasts Warhill in Bay Rivers District battle

New Kent’s Rayne Otey (22) attempts to steal the ball from Warhill’s Alana Sewer (25).

Robb Johnson photo

In a game of runs that defined Tuesday night’s battle between New Kent’s Lady Trojans and the visiting Warhill Lady Lions, it would be stops down the stretch that elevated the hosting Lady Trojans to a win.

New Kent outlasted Warhill 46-41 in the Tuesday night Bay Rivers District affair, continuing the home team’s strong campaign season.

In the early going, New Kent’s offense jumped out to a 16-4 advantage to startle the Lady Lions. Warhill rebounded at the beginning of the second quarter, using a 9-0 run to close the gap to three (16-13). But the hosts were able to refocus, using a 10-4 surge before the halftime break to carry a 26-17 lead in the locker room.

In the second half, New Kent led by four (30-26) after a pair of Vyktorya Otey free throws. Delaney Montgomery helped that lead increase to six with a basket, and back-to-back Otey baskets highlighted an 11-1 run for the Lady Trojans to end the third quarter.

The home team held a 46-34 lead when Warhill made one final surge. The Lady Lions found some additional success, reeling off seven consecutive points to close the gap to five. But before any more damage could be done on the scoreboard, New Kent’s defense stepped up once again, slowing the offensive attack down from the visitors as time expired on the clock.

After the game, New Kent Head Coach James Montgomery spoke about winning against competitive teams.

“They are a good team, and this is a big win for us,” the victorious coach commented. “We have to continue to play and get in better shape. We have tougher competition on the way and that begins with Grafton on Thursday.”

Vyktorya Otey scored 20 points to lead New Kent (7-1) in the scoring column. Montgomery contributed nine, Rayne Otey and Brooklyn Fleischman each tossed in five, Aubrey Loucks added four, and Anna Hetzel chipped in with three.