Opening deficit too much for New Kent’s rally to overcome, Lady Trojans fall to Lafayette

New Kent's Kelsey Yates launches a runner along the baseline while Lafayette's Alana McKnight defends in first half action.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Intense defensive pressure on the part of Lafayette’s Rams paid dividends early on, much to the chagrin of New Kent’s host Lady Trojans. The Rams overwhelmed their hosts with a zone press that led to a 17-0 lead with the game barely four minutes old.

The Lady Trojans, however, turned the tables on Lafayette with a press of their own to get back in the game, closing the gap to eight in the third quarter. But the Rams shook off the hosts’ comeback with a late third quarter run, pulling away from there to a 71-46 basketball triumph.

“I’m really proud of our girls,” Lady Trojan coach Vann Baker said, pointing to her team’s ability to regain composure and battle from behind.

“We changed some things up,” she said. “Defensively, we put pressure on them, trapped them in the corners, and got some turnovers. Then offensively we pulled our spread out and that opened up opportunities both inside and outside.”

Few scoring opportunities existed for New Kent following tip-off. The hosts got off just three shots from the floor in the face of Lafayette’s zone pressure. Eleven turnovers — six on steals — set up Ram guards Kenya Holliday and Rachel Lia for easy baskets. The duo combined for Lafayette’s entire 17-0 opening run.

Ram reserves took the floor to finish the first quarter, giving New Kent’s starters a chance to catch their breath. Gaining confidence and buoyed by Kayla Davis’ three steals and eight points in the second quarter, New Kent pulled within striking distance at the half, trailing 35-22.

Nakesha Glover took over after the break, pouring in New Kent’s next nine points. Her three-point basket at the 3:25 mark of the third quarter narrowed the Ram lead to eight (39-31).

Another Davis steal opened the door for the hosts to draw closer, but on the ensuing fast break, her backhanded lay-up try glanced off the rim. The Rams then closed the quarter with an 11-2 run to put the game out of reach.

Deysha Goodlet’s 14 points, Glover’s 12, and Davis’ 10 led New Kent. Kelsey Yates finished with six followed by two each from Peyton Slater and Tessa Gray and Samantha Graham’s one. Holliday and Lia ended with 27 and 23, respectively.

“We’re gaining more confidence in shooting,” Baker said, adding that practice the next day would consist of nothing but shooting drills. “We’re going into the second half of the season with great momentum.”