Lady Longhorns trample Patrician

LINDEN — Marengo Academy (16-0) took command over Patrician early Saturday and never looked back en route to a 59-41 area win.

The Longhorns carried a 20-9 lead through the first eight minutes of play before stretching the advantage to 32-17 by halftime.

Chandler Stenz led the way for the Lady Longhorns with 23 points. Brooke Smyly added 17 in the win.

Gabby George led Patrician with 20 points while Tyler Armstead added eight.

“We’ve improved a lot over the course of the year,” Marengo coach Danny Stenz said. “We don’t have to rely on one or two scorers anymore. I think we’re more balanced and everybody is contributing this year.”

That balanced scoring attack also saw seven points from Conner Etheridge, five from Victoria Belcher, three from Anna Michael Crocker and two each from Andrea Edmonds and Kim Osborn Saturday.

Despite the well-rounded offensive contribution and the unblemished record, the Lady Longhorns have been forced to overcome significant attrition this season.

“It almost feels like we’re in survival mode right now,” Stenz said. “We started with eight (players) and had two go out for the year.”

Marengo is set to return to action Monday with a road game at Southern Academy before a Tuesday tilt at Sumter.