New Kent Lady Trojans bounce back with blowout win over Bruton

New Kent's Aubrey Hyndshaw (10) performs a fadeaway jumper over Bruton's Gabriella Townsend for a basket and foul. She converted the bonus free throw.

Robb Johnson photo

After watching his team not play up to their standards in the previous contests, New Kent Lady Trojans head basketball coach Neko Burson emphasized his team needed to play better defense and make hustle plays. They responded to his call.

New Kent’s Lady Trojans overpowered Bay Rivers District rival Bruton 67-25 in Saturday night’s contest, upping the team’s record to 3-2.

The hosts set the pace early on, forcing the visiting Lady Panthers to turn the ball over on several occasions. Meanwhile, New Kent used a 9-2 run to take an 18-6 lead late in the opening frame. In the second quarter, New Kent’s Jaiden McCoy became the scoring option, pumping in eight points and outscoring the visitors by herself as New Kent led comfortably at the half (34-12).

The Lady Trojans continued the defensive pressure after the intermission break, locking down Bruton from the floor and denying the visitors a basket for more than five-and-a-half minutes. Meanwhile, New Kent stretched their lead out before cruising to the victory.

After the game, Burson was adamant about his team’s efforts and what he expected on the night.

“All together, our last few games didn’t look so hot,” he said. “We knew we didn’t play well, and we paid for it.

“We had to come out with a different level of focus, and we had to make plays early and throughout the game,” Burson continued. “I always want to play inside out and want to be able to establish a presence in the paint [on offense]. That will open up opportunities for our shooters.”

McCoy’s 18 points led all scorers in the game, while teammate McKenna Mueller finished closed behind with 17 points. Hannah Drewer and Aubrey Hyndshaw also finished in double figures with 11 and 10, respectively, Jakeira Thomas pumped in seven points, and Darian Mason contributed four.