Strong first half by New Kent enough to outlast Atlee 37-27

New Kent’s Anna Hetzel (1) is challenged by defensive pressure from Atlee’s Vasiliki Sotos (25).

Robb Johnson photo

Despite a sluggish start coming off the holiday break, New Kent’s Lady Trojans continue to increase their tab in the win column.

New Kent emerged with a 37-27 victory over the visiting Atlee Lady Raiders in Monday night’s non-district affair.

Early on, it looked like the Lady Trojans would run away with the contest as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead. The first quarter shutout was thwarted after Atlee’s Vasiliki Sotos drained a three, but when the horn sounded, New Kent carried a 14-3 lead into the next quarter.

In the second quarter, Anna Hetzel dropped two three-pointers to help the Lady Trojans increase their lead. With defense headlining the frame, New Kent entered halftime up 25-10.

But the Lady Trojans’ offense began struggling after the break. While Atlee didn’t put up impressive numbers themselves, they were able to cut the hosts lead down in the second half. New Kent, however, relied on key defensive moments, despite only scoring nine points in the third quarter and three in the final frame. Those stops were able to return the Lady Trojans to the win column.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach James Montgomery spoke about ways his team needs to put together a complete game.

“We have to play 32 minutes,” he commented. “We put together two quarters and moments here and there, and that has been our story.

“We have to finish the right way,” Montgomery continued. “We had one assist in the second half and only 12 points. We have to get back to practice and work. But at the end of the day, it’s good to be 6-1 instead of 1-6, that’s for sure.”

New Kent received a game-high 13 points from Hetzel. Vyktorya Otey and Rayne Otey both tossed in seven, Delaney Montgomery contributed six, and Amiyah Armstead chipped in with four.