Lady Trojans’ slump continues, Lafayette upends New Kent 52-36

New Kent's Bailee Hellebrandt (24) tries to maneuver through the defensive trio of Lafayette's Taylor Gluber (5), Taylor Thomas (10), and Erica Stringfield (15).

Robb Johnson photo

Facing a need to win every game for an opportunity to earn a postseason berth, the schedule for New Kent’s Lady Trojans hasn’t been kind as the team has fallen into a losing slump. The Jan. 31 matchup against Lafayette’s Lady Rams did the hosts no favors.

Tough defense by the visiting Lady Rams frustrated New Kent as visiting Lafayette overwhelmed the hosts 52-36 in the Bay Rivers District match-up.

The visitors jumped out of the gate early behind the speed and power of Lady Ram Taylor Thomas. Back-to-back lay-ins by Thomas helped the guests start the game on an 8-0 run. It wasn’t until the 3:32 mark of the first quarter when New Kent placed points on the scoreboard after a field goal from Bailee Hellebrandt. But Lafayette didn’t allow that score to faze as they scored the next seven points in the game. Only Hellebrandt’s buzzer-beater score at the end of the quarter provided hope for momentum as New Kent trailed 15-4. The Lady Trojans failed to dent the scoreboard, despite going seven for nine at the free throw line, as they trailed 25-15 at halftime.

Lafayette ramped up defensive pressure in the second half behind the scoring of Thomas and teammate McKenna Eddings. The two Lady Rams combined for 22 points in the contest, more than enough to pull away from the hosts to close out the contest.

Lady Trojan head coach Neko Burson talked about his team’s effort and their poor home record (2-8).

“The feel of the game and the atmosphere was different,” he said. “I was not happy because you never want to lose, but I loved our fight and the fact that we never gave up.

“We need fan support and I wish we could get more students out,” Burson continued. “However, you have to come out and have heart to protect your home floor no matter who’s in the stands.”

New Kent (6-13) received a team-high 11 points from Madison Foley. Haley Hyndshaw scored nine, Hellebrandt added seven, Jada Hooker contributed five, Natasha Lange pitched in two, and the duo of Alaina Torres and Abby Coutu chipped in with one apiece.