Lady Trojans kick off high school’s return to sports, defeats Mathews 41-33

Mathews' Abby Hudgins (10) finds it hard to pass to a teammate as New Kent's Jaiden McCoy (14) applies defensive pressure.

Robb Johnson photos

The last sound that anybody heard in the high school sporting world was the dribble of a basketball at a state championship game. For nine months the question was when will high school sports return to Virginia and how would they return? Monday night provided an answer.

New Kent’s Lady Trojans became one of the first teams to take the floor to kick off the modified high school sports calendar. And they were one of the first to leave with a win after defeating the visiting Mathews Lady Blue Devils 41-33.

New Kent wasted little time taking control of the contest, muscling their way to a 14-3 first quarter advantage. But the grind and grit put together by Mathews held the hosts to a mere basket in the second quarter, resulting in New Kent’s 16-9 lead at the break.

The Lady Blue Devils whittled the score down to three by the time the third quarter came to a close (26-23). But New Kent focused on forcing defensive pressure, leading to easy transition baskets and sealing the season-opening victory.

After the contest, Lady Trojan head coach Neko Burson talked about the team’s defense and the joy to play again.

“The girls are in the same mindset as me and the coaching staff that we are happy that we are playing,” he commented. “A lot of the schools shut themselves down and we’re just excited to play.

“This is a group of girls who are fast,” Burson continued. “They’re fearless and we can translate that into defense. There were times we were winded and that is to be expected, but they are confident in their defense and we know when we play defense, we can translate it to offense.”

Aubrey Hyndshaw’s 19 points topped the scoreboard for New Kent (1-0). McKenna Mueller pumped in 10, Jaiden McCoy poured in six, Jakeira Thomas tossed in four, and Hannah Drewer chipped in with two.

New Kent’s McKenna Mueller (1) scouts the floor as Mathews’ Connie Johnson attempts to slow her down.