Lafayette Lady Rams escape with win over Lady Trojans

By Robb Johnson | February 2, 2020 12:04 pm

New Kent's Madison Foley (right) tries to drive to the basket around Lafayette's Taylor Thomas.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans have been looking for their offensive output to match their defensive intensity. A Jan. 30 clash with the visiting Lafayette Lady Rams was an indicator that the hosts still have some work to do.

The Lady Trojans suffered a 41-38 setback to the Lady Rams in a defensive battle that saw both teams lack offensive output.

With both teams staying close, it wasn’t until the fourth quarter when action picked up on both ends. Lafayette pulled out to a 31-24 lead after Taylor Thomas’ free throws to provide the largest advantage to the visitors.

Lady Trojan Katelyn Norman responded, first converting an inside shot and followed it up with a free throw from the stripe. After another basket by the visitors, Norman drained a jumper to cut the lead down to four (33-29).

New Kent managed to stay within four before Madison Foley’s free throw cut it down to three (37-34). The Lady Trojans attempted to slow down the visitors, but Lafayette’s Olivia Branson banked a three-pointer off the glass after New Kent’s defense uncharacteristically sagged off her. That show provided the final distance as the Lady Trojan offense couldn’t muster up any additional scoring.

After the contest, New Kent head coach Neko Burson remained confidence despite his team losing the contest.

“Our eyes got a little big and we were forcing a lot of turnovers,” he said. “However, we tried to force a lot of stuff tonight once we knew we were down.

“I tell the girls there is no such thing as a six or eight-point shot,” Burson continued. “We had mental mistakes down the stretch, we missed a lot of layups, and committed a lot of silly turnovers. If we had cut down on those, this game would have been in a different direction.”

McKenna Mueller’s 12 points were the team high for New Kent (11-5). Norman finished with 11, Haley Hyndshaw pumped in nine, Foley added four, and Natasha Lange chipped in with two.