Lady
Cyclones bomb Pioneers
By Travis Brown
STAR Staff
tbrown@starhq.com
JONESBOROUGH -- Often times a team on the verge
of great success can rally upon a sound victory. The Elizabethton
Lady Cyclones got such a win on the road against the David Crockett
Lady Pioneers by a lopsided 64-10 margin.
Clicking on all cylinders, the Lady 'Clones played
to near perfection as the injury-riddled Pioneers simply could
not withstand the onslaught.
Opening up with 28 unanswered points in the first
quarter, the Lady Cyclones took a commanding early lead and
never looked back. Consolidating good defensive play along with
good ball movement, the Lady Cyclones scored key baskets transition,
and did not allow the Pioneer defenders to set up.
By halftime the issue was no longer in doubt, as
the 'Clones were in the driver seat 40-4. Cyclone skipper Mike
Wilson was pleased with the team play.
"They lost one of their big players, so we made
some adjustments into a matchup zone," Wilson said. "We needed
to play well tonight, and we played better than we have all
season."
The second half saw both teams substitute in younger
talent for an opportunity to get minutes. Crockett simply could
not buy a bucket as strong shooters Brooke Penley and Jessica
Chandley went cold from the perimeter.
Meanwhile 11 of the 14 Cyclone players graced the
scoresheet. Spreading the wealth around and playing good defense
continued to increase the lead despite the attempt to call off
the dogs.
"Our kids feel like they are ready to play," Wilson
said. "We only have three losses and they were all against good
teams."
The fourth quarter promised more of the same, as
the Crockett offense could not muster up a viable threat, as
J.V. standouts Valnessha Redd and Takisha Avery combined for
12 points. The starting five attributed for 43 points, with
the remainder coming off the bench. Moving into the Christmas
season, the Lady Cyclones have much to look forward to. With
a convincing win under their belt, confidence could only flourish
as the holiday tournaments begin.
