Smyrna proved to be the perfect slump buster for the Lady Pioneers. Warren County snapped a three-game losing streak at home Tuesday, drilling the visiting Lady Bulldogs 73-30 for its second win this season.
Seniors Megan Patch and Tyra Wright each reached season-highs with 15 points, while Hallie Pennington scored a career-high 11 points to help the Lady Pioneers get back on the right track. Warren County was coming off its worst loss of the season – a 70-43 defeat at Blackman – before pounding the Lady Bulldogs.
“I thought from the beginning we played aggressive and stayed that way the entire game,” said coach Shea Panter. “We played fundamental and as a team. I saw lots of extra passes and people running the floor in transition.”
Warren County (2-4) did seem to have a spring in its step from the outset. Patch aided to the hot start, splashing in two 3-pointers in the opening minutes as the Lady Pioneers quickly built a big advantage.
Kam Nowlin, in her first start, pushed the pace at every chance. The sophomore point guard showed her speed in the open court, slicing once for a layup and also setting up easy buckets for Wright and Caylie Sherrell.
Warren County doubled up Smyrna 22-11 in the first quarter, just the start of a dominating victory.
Despite the pleas of the Smyrna coaching staff, which could be heard screaming “Find No. 2,” Patch was able to shake free for more open looks in the second quarter. Patch buried a pair of 3-pointers, the second coming just before halftime as Warren County went to the locker rooms up 41-18.
Panter leaned on her bench in the second half, which was shortened due to the absence of two rotation players.
Senior Emily Mikkola (family) and junior Kenley Cathcart (knee) were out, leaving opportunities for others to expand their roles.
Brielee Kelsey responded to her first extended minutes with six quick points in the third quarter. Pennington got into double figures in the final seconds, hitting a layup just before the buzzer.
Grace Rains continued her early season surge with 12 points, coming less than 24 hours after the senior post led Warren County with 14 points against Blackman.
Panter is hopeful the team’s mindset is beginning to get aggressive as it moves forward during a busy stretch, which included a Thursday matchup at Tullahoma.
“I hope we like the feel of that win. We need to hate to lose more,” said Panter.
More information on Thursday’s game can be found in Sunday’s Southern Standard.
