Lady Royals Bounce Patriots
Thursday-It’s been a good week to be a Jay Lady Royal. After defeating Baker on Monday 65-43, then toppling Northview 65-13 on Tuesday, the Lady Royals (9-0) handed the Pace Patriots (9-1) their first loss of the season, 45-32.
Jay jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead to start the game but then scoring became a premium. The Lady Royals’ defense came to play, however, as they allowed only one point by Pace in the entire first quarter. Jay led 7-1 going into the second quarter. The smothering defense continued for Jay as Pace struggled to get into any type of offensive rhythm in the second quarter, scoring only five.
The defensive battle of a first half ended in a 14-6 Jay lead.
The Patriots would respond to start the second half, outscoring the Lady Royals 13-9 and cutting Jay’s lead to just one with three minutes left in the third. Jay would respond though, ending the quarter on a 5-0 run and went into the fourth quarter leading 23-19.
Jay would capitalize at the free throw line in the final quarter of play, converting 17 of 20 at the line to seal the game.
“Amazing defensive effort in a playoff atmosphere,” head coach Jorey Diamond stated after the game. “Proud of our competitive mindset tonight. They answered the bell against an outstanding team.”
Jay never trailed in the ball game.
Aubreigh Nelson led the Lady Royals with 17 points, while Georgia Lewis added 10.
Jay will be in action again next Tuesday at Jay vs. Poplar Springs.
JHS 7 7 9 22-45
PHS 1 5 13 13-32
(A. Nelson 17, P. Hawthorne 6, C. Baker 4, K. Gilbreath 5, G. Lewis 10, H. Locklin 3)
