Second quarter trifectas, fourth quarter run pushes New Kent to victory over Tabb

By Robb Johnson | January 7, 2020 11:33 pm

Lady Trojan Hannah Drewer (24) searches for a passing lane against Tabb's Lena Shandor (22).

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans have relied on their defense for most of the year to find the win column. Such was the case Tuesday night against a visiting Lady Tigers team from Tabb hungry for their first win.

The hosting Lady Trojans orchestrated a key 12-4 run in the fourth quarter as they emerged victorious over Tabb 50-35 in the Bay Rivers District affair.

The Lady Tigers gained the upper hand in the first quarter thanks to wing player Faith Hancock. Her two trifectas were enough to give the visitors an 8-7 lead after the opening frame.

But the second quarter turned in New Kent’s favor. After retaking the lead 10-8, Lady Trojan teammates Madison Foley and McKenna Mueller drained three long-distance baskets apiece. With the hosts’ defense also stepping up, the result was a 28-16 lead at the break.

Tabb’s grit persisted as they whittled the Lady Trojan lead to seven as the teams transitioned into the fourth quarter. But a pair of free throws by New Kent’s Katelyn Norman and the final aforementioned run were enough for the hosts to garner the win.

New Kent head coach Neko Burson spoke about playing at a high-level offensively despite a Bay Rivers District schedule that plays into their favor to kick off the new year.

“We have to shake off this winter rust and the girls know we are in a soft spot on our schedule,” he said. “We had to take advantage and that it would be a little rough.

“But as we’ve been doing the previous games, defense is going to be our main focal part,” Burson continued. “We have been struggling from the three-point line, so it’s really good to see the girls come out of winter break and start to hit shots and gain confidence.

“For us to get rid of the offensive doldrums, we have to continue to play, and getting the foot on the gas pedal for 32 minutes and not let up,” he concluded.

Norman led New Kent (5-3) in scoring with 13 points, while Foley and Mueller both finished with nine points apiece. Natasha Lange tossed in eight, Haley Hyndshaw scored seven, and Hannah Drewer added four.