2nd quarter rally keys Lady Hornets win over Lady Jeeps

SOUTH WEBSTER — It may have been hot early, but the Coal Grove Lady Hornets were able to a cool winter breeze called their defense that shifted the temperatures of the game.

Coal Grove’s defense was focused on South Webster sisters Avary and Addi Claxon who scored 22 and 17 points, respectively.

The sister started hot and South Webster took an early lead, but the Lady Hornets were able to adjust to their defense to slow down the duo to hold on for a 51-49 win.

“We knew going in that most of their scoring comes from those two. We talked about getting out on them and not allowing three-point looks, but we didn’t get the job done,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Nick Miller.

Addix Claxon hit three 3-pointers and Avary Claxon also hit from behind the arc as South Webster took an 18-14 first quarter lead.

Jenna Anson scored 7 points and Karli Shore hit a 3-pointer for Coal Grove.

The Lady Hornets (10-3) took away the 3-pointers and rallied in the second quarter to outscore the Lady Jeeps 16-5 and took a 30-23 lead.

Izzy Kitts scored 6 points, Emma Lively hit a trifecta, and Shore added 4 more points.

“They hit four in the first quarter. We emphasized that at the quarter timeout and held them to one the rest of the game,” said Miller.

South Webster cut the deficit to 38-34 at the end of the third quarter, but Coal Grove increased the lead to 9 points with three minutes to go.

The Lady Jeeps (6-7) made a run and took a one-point lead, but Kendall Taylor and Kitts sank two free throws each in the last minute as the Lady Hornets were able to hold on for the win.

Avary Claxon scored 9 points and Addi Claxon added a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Kitts led Coal Grove with a season-high 17 points while Anson added 13 more points.

Coal Grove  14   16     8   13  =  51

South Webster 18     5   11   15  =  49

COAL GROVE (10-3): Hunter Palin 0 0 0-0 0, Haili McKnight 1 0 0-0 2, Kendall Taylor 1 0 2-2 4, Karli Shore 2 1 0-2 7, Shay Collins 1 0 0-0 2, Emma Lively 0 2 0-0 6, Izzy Kitts 5 1 4-6 17, Jenna Anson 4 0 5-11 13. Totals: 14 4 11-22 51. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: Taylor.

SOUTH WEBSTER (6-7): Natalee Eskridge 0 0 0-2 0, Avary Claxon 7 1 5-7 22, Emma Campbell 2 0 0-0 4, Addi Claxon 1 4 3-4 17, Violet Edwards 3 0 0-4 6, Eden Smith 0 0 0-0 0, Lainey Williams 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 5 8-17 49. Fouls: 19. Fouled out: None.