Lady Trojans return to win column despite sloppy play against York

New Kent's Jada Hooker (right) drives by York's Stephanie Horner in a drive to the basket.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans entered the Jan. 24 contest searching for a win to restore positive momentum heading into the home stretch of the season. However, it wouldn’t come easy when facing a York Lady Falcons team that entered the contest winless.

New Kent used a strong performance to start the final quarter along with above average free throw shooting to defeat York 37-25 to earn the Bay Rivers victory.

After a slow start by both teams, New Kent strung together a 7-0 run to end the first quarter with a 10-3 advantage. That lead would extend to 11 (14-3) before York countered with an 8-0 answer of their own to cut the deficit to three heading into the break (14-11).

The Lady Trojans maintained a 20-16 lead heading into the fourth quarter. New Kent’s offense clicked to jumpstart what amounted to a 12-1 run to start the fourth. The hosts’ defense held the Lady Falcons to a mere field goal in the final frame as New Kent claimed victory.

Lady Trojans head coach Neko Burson talked about what his team needs to do to improve in their upcoming contests.

“We played well on defense, but we have to cut down on the sloppy mistakes,” he said. “We shot well from the free throw line, but in closer games with better teams we have to shoot better.

“I told them to be confident all the time,” Burson added. “We can’t hang our heads when things get tough. We knew we had the advantage tonight and we showed confidence.”

Haley Hyndshaw’s 13 points led New Kent, who improves the record to 5-9. Brynne Jones contributed seven, Bailee Hellebrandt tossed in six, Jada Hooker scored five, Madison Foley dropped four, and Peyton Slater chipped in with two.

Ashley Levister scored seven points to lead York, who remains winless 0-14.