Smithfield adds to New Kent woes with 73-25 decision

Lady Trojan Haley Grisbaum leaps to grab an entry pass in the lane in front of Smithfield defenders Jackie Cypress and Jamilla Jordan.

Alan Chamberlain photo

A frustrating basketball season for New Kent’s Lady Trojans continued Thursday night when they fell 73-25 to Smithfield’s visiting Packers.

Smithfield utilized pressure tactics to score the game’s first 13 points on the way to handing the Lady Trojans their 16th loss without a victory.

“We can run our offense, but can’t pull the trigger on shots,” said Lady Trojan coach Vann Baker. “We rush shots every time and don’t seem to have that confidence on the court.”

In the face of Smithfield’s press, the Lady Trojans had few opportunities to even attempt to run their offense. The Packers forced seven New Kent turnovers during their 13-0 game opening run.

Sarah Major’s basket broke New Kent’s scoreless streak. And when the Packers called off their press midway through the first quarter, the hosts took advantage.

Brittany LaPrade’s three capped a 7-1 New Kent run that pulled the hosts within seven at 14-7. As the quarter wound down, Kelsey Yates’ conventional three-point play with 43 seconds left maintained the margin, keeping the home team close at 19-12.

Smithfield, however, responded with 15 unanswered points. LaPrade’s two free throws just over four minutes before halftime ended the Packer run, but as the half ended, the visitors were firmly in control 40-18.

LaPrade, Major, and Yates each scored seven points for the hosts. Brynne Jones and Sam Graham added two apiece. Smithfield’s Shannen Atkinson led all scorers with 25.

“We’re getting through this season and preparing for next year,” Baker said. “We’re already registered for summer league play, and we’re attending Virginia Tech’s summer camp.
“There are basic elements we haven’t been able to put together yet,” she said. “But these girls are trying hard. As coaches, we couldn’t ask for more than that.”

The Lady Trojans, meanwhile, are teaming with their next home opponent, Poquoson’s Islanders, to host “Play for the Cure,” a fund-raiser for fighting cancer starting at 6:30 p.m. between the JV and varsity contests on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Cancer survivors will be honored during the varsity pre-game ceremony, and donations will be collected to benefit the American Cancer Society. Both teams plan to wear special uniforms for the event.