Missed shots lead to missed opportunity for Lady Trojans to return to win column

New Kent’s Delaney Montgomery (4) pulls up just in the nick of time to convert a jumper over Poquoson’s Annabelle Simmons (14).Robb Johnson photo
The learning process continues for the Lady Trojans as their young core is learning from on-court experiences. The lesson during the Jan. 16 home contest against the visiting Poquoson Lady Islanders: knock down open shots and free throws.
The inability to put the ball in the hoop led to the downfall of New Kent as they fell 43-37 in the Bay Rivers District contest.
After the Lady Trojans held a one-point lead (8-7) in the first quarter, Poquoson embarked on an 11-3 run that stretched midway into the second quarter. The Lady Islanders’ advantage increased to nine (20-11) after Brooklyn Mason converted a pair of free throws.
New Kent responded with a 9-3 run of their own, as Amiya Armstead sank a free throw and converted a subsequent bucket. A Khylie Gore trifecta paired with a lay-in by Delaney Montgomery allowed the hosts to close the gap to four (23-19).
But that positive Lady Trojan momentum waned after Poquoson’s Alyssa Laney drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the half, giving the visitors a 26-19 lead in the break.
In the second half, New Kent’s defense was stingy enough to hold the visitors to 17 total points in the two combined quarters. However, the Lady Trojans’ offensive woes were detrimental, as open shots failed to drop through the net. Along with missing six free throws that could have closed the gap and changed the momentum of the game, New Kent could not get any closer than six during the remainder of the contest.
New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach James Montgomery spoke about his team working hard to get better during the season.
“We are learning to win,” he commented. “We have played some good teams, and we are competing and staying together.
“The culture is getting better and we continue to grow,” the coach concluded.
New Kent (4-8) received a game-high 11 points from Montgomery. Anna Hetzel tossed in seven, the duo of Talayah Wilson and Evie Davenport tossed in five, Armstead added four, Gore pumped in three, and Alivia Snow chipped in with two.