Lady Trojans’ coach optimistic in aftermath of 89-34 setback

New Kent's Brittany LaPrade drives the ball up the floor through Grafton's press with the Clippers' Hayley Marshall in pursuit.

Alan Chamberlain photos

Even though her team finished on the short end of an 89-34 final to fall to 0-4, New Kent Lady Trojan head basketball coach Vann Baker is anything but discouraged over her players’ performance.

Grafton’s powerful Clippers dominated Tuesday’s contest from the opening tap, sinking 11 of 24 shots from the floor in the first quarter and leaving no doubt as to the outcome. The Clippers owned a 26-6 advantage after one period and steadily pulled away from there.

“We did a lot of things tonight that were pretty awesome,” said Baker. “Against lots of teams, Grafton scores over 100 points. We showed a lot of heart in holding them under 100, and we scored over 30 on them.”

On a positive note, the hosts outscored the Clippers’ reserves 16-11 in the final quarter.

For the game, Brittany LaPrade tossed in a team-high 14 points to lead the Lady Trojans followed by Payton Slater’s six, five each from Brynne Jones and Kelsey Yates, Sarah Major’s two, and one apiece from Lindsey Reece and Haley Grisbaum.

Grafton’s Hayley Marshall captured game-high scoring honors with 31 points.

“We’re on our way up,” Baker said concerning her team’s effort against Grafton as well as much closer recent contests with Jamestown and West Point.

“I believe in these girls,” she said. “I know that with more experience we’ll be able to keep that same level of play in every game.”

Lady Trojan Payton Slater leaps to fire a pass to a teammate over the head of Grafton defender Kierson Tavares.