Lady Lions’ varsity demolishes Lady Wildcats

The Lady Lions traveled to Elgin to take on the Lady Wildcats on Friday, Jan. 21.
The Lady Lions began the second round of competition in a battle for third place in District 26-4A after tying the Vista Ridge Lady Rangers with 3-3 records.
The Lady Lions struggled early and did not score for the first four and a half minutes.
Sophomore guard, Ka’Tina Gree

n sank one of two free throws to get the Lady Lions going.
“We were patient and weren’t forcing shots,” Coach David Johnston said. “They just didn’t go down for us.”
Senior guard, SueRe’esa Williams hit a three-pointer from the corner off of an inbounds play, and the Lady Lions grabbed the lead of 4-2.
Senior post, Whitney Winn added a field goal while Williams added three free throws after being fouled on a three-point shot. The Lady Lions took a 9-5 first-quarter lead.
Both teams got things rolling offensively in the second quarter. Lockhart put 16 on the board and Elgin added 10 to their total. Lockhart’s three seniors contributed to the scoring.
“We’ve had great leadership from our seniors this year. They are stepping up and pushing us forward,” said Johnston.
Guard Tara Chapman made two free throws and Winn added five points. Williams made a three-pointer at the buzzer signaling halftime to add to her game-high total of 20 points.
Lockhart got some great contributions from the bench. Sophomore, Adrian Carter grabbed a rebound, two steals and a blocked shot to go along with four points for the game. Sophomore, Andrea Carter grabbed a rebound and two steals along with a deflection. The Lady Lions took a 25-15 lead into halftime.
With 7:15 on the clock in the third quarter, Williams went over the 1,000-point marker for her career. It came in spectacular fashion, with an old style three-point play. After Lockhart’s transition, Green made a cross-court pass to Williams for a lay-up while pulling the defense in for a foul. Williams made the free throw to complete the play.
“What a special night and incredible achievement for a super kid. She is a special player. I’m so happy for her. I’m not going to be able to stop smiling for months. I know all the extra hours she puts into her game and she has become better each year. What makes it even more special is how she is always talking about the team and that the team comes first,” said Johnston.
Defensively, Lockhart held Elgin to four points for the quarter to increase their 10-point lead to 15 over the Lady Wildcats.
In the fourth quarter, Lockhart continued its defensive pressure. Chapman didn’t allow Elgin’s leading scorer to any points through three and a half quarters of play. Adrian Carter did a good job coming off the bench as she drew the same defensive assignment.
“Wow… what a super defensive effort tonight from Chappy and Salt (Adrian Carter). They really stepped up offensively as well,” said Johnston.
Junior guard, Venoris Carter came off the bench for Williams and did a good job closing out the game. Freshman post Mariah Carter came off the bench throughout the game for junior post Noelle Marquina, and they contributed nine rebounds collectively. Junior post Zenaida Rubio came off the bench for Winn and hit two from the free-throw line to help contribute to a team performance of 12 out of 18 from the line. The Lady Lions held Elgin to minimal points in the quarter, and snagged the victory on the road with a final score of 42-24.
The Lady Lions will travel to Austin to take on the Del Valle Lady Cardinals this Friday, Jan. 28. On Tuesday, Feb 1, the Lady Lions will host Connally for “Teacher Appreciation” night at the Lions’ Den. The games will be at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m.