Lady Royals Advance!

Wednesday-The Jay Lady Royals (21-4) made quick work of Paxton (19-4) in front of a packed home crowd as they dismantled the Bobcats, 57-35. This was the second meeting between the two teams. Jay won 44-38 in the first meeting back in early December.

The Lady Royals jumped out early on Paxton, hitting three 3’s in the first quarter; two from Kaylee Gilbreath and one from Presley Hawthorne. Jay would have a 15-10 lead after the first quarter. Gilbreath wasn’t done from behind the arch, as she connected on another attempt in the second. The hot shooting from the Lady Royals opened up the inside game and Hattie Locklin would take advantage, scoring five points in the second quarter. The Lady Royals defense ratcheted up the pressure and held Paxton to only six points in the second quarter, taking a 30-16 lead into the locker room.

Paxton came out in the second half and actually pulled within 10 points early on, but the Lady Royals were able to handle the Bobcat run, and extended their lead by nine going into the fourth. Gilbreath hit her fourth 3 of the night and connected on four free throws while Hattie Locklin added eight in the third.

The Lady Royals tenacious defense forced 16 turnovers and had six second-half blocks.

The Lady Royals have now won five in a row as they set their sights to a familiar foe in Ponce de Leon. Ponce de Leon(21-2) defeated Holmes County (14-10) on Wednesday and will now host the Lady Royals on Monday night for a chance to advance to the state final four in Lakeland. The Pirates won the same round game against the Royals last season 47-41. The Lady Royals are hoping that the experience from last season’s heartbreaker will benefit them on Monday night.

Kaylee Gilbreath led all scores with 20 while Hattie Locklin had 17.

JHS 15 15 16 11-57

PHS 10 6 7 12-35

(K. Gilbreath 20, H. Locklin 17, A. Nelson 6, P. Hawthorne 6, C. Baker 4, G. Lewis 1, D. Locklin 2, M. Grimes 1)