Kennard Takes Outright District Lead
Monday, February 6th, 2012
<em><strong>Photo by Chris Boothe / Messenger Sports Jade Dodson (#25) plays airtight defense on a Lady Pirate during the Lady Tigers 37-33 win on Tuesday night. It was the Lady Tigers defense that spurred Kennard to the big district victory.</strong></em>
KENNARD – While the offense wasn’t great, the Kennard Lady Tigers were able to pick up a gritty 37-33 win over the Martinsville Lady Pirates on Tuesday night, giving themselves sole possession of first place in district 23-1A DII. The Lady Tigers managed just one field goal in the fourth quarter, and scored 19 of their 37 points from the free throw line, as they improved to 7-1 in district play.
Taylor Adair scored 13 points, 11 of which came from the free throw line, as the Lady Tiger helped pull her team to victory. Kennard found themselves battling injuries, cold shooting, and a very talented Lady Pirate team throughout the night.
The game was close in the early goings, as the two ranked teams went back and forth in the opening minutes. The Lady Tigers were dealt a major blow in the early minutes with Colby Adair going down with an apparent knee injury. Kennard would bounce back from the injury as they would trail Martinsville 15-14 at the end of the first quarter.
Kennard would begin a stretch of outstanding defense that would last the remainder of the game from there. The Lady Tigers would clamp down on Martinsville, and take advantage of them, offensively, starting in the second quarter. Kennard outscored Martinsville 12-6 in the second quarter, giving them a comfortable 26-21 lead at the half.
In the third quarter Kennard would continue the outstanding defensive play, but would struggle to find their offense. In fact the Lady Tigers wouldn’t hit a shot from the field in the entire quarter. Fortunately they would continue their outstanding defense to keep them in the game. Martinsville outscored Kennard 10-2 in the quarter, only giving the Lady Pirates a modest 31-28 lead going into the final quarter of play.
Kennard would turn the tables in the fourth quarter as it would hold Martinsville to just two points in the final frame of the game. The Lady Tigers weren’t much more impressive, as Kennard would score seven points, five of which came from the free throw line. Taylor Adair would score five of the Lady Tigers nine points from the charity stripe, and the Lady Tigers would use an inspired effort in the final quarter to hold on for the 37-33 win.
As a team the Lady Tigers made just nine of 27 shots (33 percent) from the field and were held scoreless from three-point range for the third time in four games. From the free throw line the Lady Tigers were much better making 19 of 25 shots (76 percent). That effort at the charity stripe would be enough to give the Lady Tigers the big district win.
Taylor Adair would lead the team with 13 points nn the night to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Portia Pope would finish off a solid night with nine points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Khloe McCloud, coming on strong late in district play, added eight points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
The Lady Tigers hit the road on Friday to face off against the Groveton-Centerville Lady Bulldogs. Kennard won the first meeting, and with a win, Kennard can clinch at least a share of the district title.
Kennard will return home on Tuesday, February 7 to host the Wells Lady Pirates. Kennard slipped past Wells 41-37 in their first meeting, and can complete the season sweep, and claim the outright district title with a win.
For a complete recap of the Lady Tigers district action, as well as other area basketball news, check back in The Messenger. Also follow The Messenger on Facebook and check out our website at www.messenger-news.com. Chris Boothe can be reached at cboothe@messenger-news.com.
