Lady Trojans celebrate Senior Night with opening round playoff win

New Kent’s Jaiden McCoy (14) snags a rebound between Tabb defenders Emelia Hay (10) and Emily Angel (32).

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans kicked off last year’s regional title defense Monday night in collaboration with its Senior Night celebration the same way they ended the regional playoff bracket last year, with a win.

New Kent powered its way to a 53-36 victory over the visiting Lady Tigers of Tabb, marking the third time they defeated the squad this year.

With the seniors getting the call in the starting line-up, the Lady Trojans played evenly with Tabb. With the score tied at eight apiece, Aubrey Hyndshaw and Katelyn Norman subbed into the game with 2:58 in the first quarter, sparking an offensive outpouring in the second quarter. Norman pumped in 11 of New Kent’s 20 points in the frame, allowing the hosts to have a steady 30-18 advantage at the halftime break.

After a lackluster third quarter by both teams, New Kent pulled away from the visitors in the fourth quarter as their defense stifled the Lady Tigers. The result was a 17-10 frame in their favor and an advancement to Wednesday night’s quarterfinal game against rival Lafayette.

New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Neko Burson spoke about the concepts set forth by the team as the season kicked off in December.

“It was an emotional night for our seniors, but it was a quick reminder of the goals we set for the year,” the victorious coach said. “We need to stay in the game and had to win the game and the girls agreed.

“I told them that we needed to focus, and we can’t hang onto the fact that we beat them twice [in the regular season],” Burson added. “We had to come out and rock and roll.”

Norman’s 17 powered the Lady Trojans, while McKenna Mueller followed closely with 14. Hannah Drewer tossed in seven, Hyndshaw and Jaiden McCoy both contributed six, Jakiera Thomas pitched in with two, and Darian Mason chipped in with one.