The recipe for success has been pretty simple for the Warren County High School girls basketball team. Coach Erick Baird needs his team to play solid defense, rebound and get seniors Lauren Wilkinson and Bree Smith the ball on offense.On Friday night in Van Buren County, the defense held its opponent to 25 points, the Lady Pioneers collected 40 rebounds and Wilkinson and Smith combined for 36 points as Warren County won 44-25 over the Eaglettes.Warren County went into play Friday night sporting a 5-1 record and was hopeful its senior leaders could once again power the team to victory.Wilkinson and Smith did their part, as the duo combined for all of the team’s first-half points and scored all but eight of the team’s total points.Wilkinson got the game started off in the Lady Pioneers’ favor. After winning the tip, Warren County ran a set play for Wilkinson and sophomore Jessie Newby, who earned her first varsity start, hit her senior teammate with a perfect pass for an easy layup.Van Buren County answered back with a free throw and a 3-pointer to take a small 4-2 lead, but Wilkinson put back her own miss on the next possession to ignite a 11-0 run.Smith followed by slicing to the basket for a layup while being fouled.
Lady Pioneers top Van Buren County