Lady Patriots move to 3-0
LINDEN—The Lady Patriots of Linden remain unblemished this season thanks in large part to a 15-point second period that would lead LHS to a 37-25 victory over the Lady Indians of Southern Choctaw Thursday.
The early indications pointed to a contest that might go down to the wire. And, although the score suggests much of the same, it isn’t indicative of the way things actuality that played out on the court. SCHS used its size to dictate the flow of the contest early on, out-rebounding and blocking shots throughout the opening period. This allowed for an Indian lead that would hold right up until the end of the first — right up until LHS’s quickness and agility began outweighing its opposition’s size advantage.
After being held at bay the first 8:00, Alexis Johnson emerged in the second period. Her five straight points in a little over a minute forced a quick SCHS timeout. The Lady Indians had all of a sudden found themselves trailing by seven and needing an answer.
Instead, they got more of Johnson, not to mention Bru’nesha McIntosh, who had a field day running the floor. McIntosh’s speed couldn’t be dealt with in transition as she got behind the defense seemingly every possession. McIntosh’s eight first half points coupled with Johnson’s 10 (eight of which coming in period number two) helped the Lady Pats take a sufficient 27-16 lead into the half.
Containment was the name of the game for LHS in the second half as it rotated a variety of players in and out, concentrating more on defensive aspects and zone coverage. Linden coach Teressa Bolden did what the good ones do when she found, and managed, a good teaching moment. Besides, who needs to worry about scoring when your defense can’t be scored on? It wasn’t a shutout, but it was a very well-executed defensive plan for the Pats in the third period that allowed a mere three points to the opposition, giving the LHS Ladies a 14-point lead after three before eventually winning by the final of 37-25.
The entire staring five had a productive game for Linden, whether in point totals, rebounds, steals or just plain success on a given assignment.
Johnson had a game high with 12 points as she neared double figures in rebounds as well.
McIntosh was next with 10 followed by Charquell Compton with six.
Imiya Agee led the team in assists as she dished out eight dimes followed by Felesia Dukes, who had five assists to go along with five rebounds.
For Southern Choctaw, Yasmine Powe led the way with eight points after a hot start that earned her six within the first few minutes.
Margot Hicks finished with six and Lakesha Bonner threw in five for SCHS.
Linden (3-0) will play a third time in four days Friday when they travel to Demopolis in a county showdown featuring two teams jockeying for respect, both among their cross county peers as well as onlookers reserving judgment.