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By William Browning
Reporter
CHARLESTON – They were one of six 3A squads left vying for the state championship last year, and this year’s Water Valley Lady Devil girls appear to have picked up where they left off.
Having already beaten the Charleston Lady Tigers at home this season (a 56-34 rout on Halloween night), the Lady Devils took their pressure defense on the road Monday evening when they played the Lady Tigers in the opening round of the Charleston Tournament.
The first time around, the Water Valley girls forced the Lady Tigers into 24 turnovers en route to their lopsided win. (“Their pressure defense gave us some serious fits last game,” said Charleston first-year head coach Jeff Hollinsworth.) It was much of the same Monday night, as the full-court press of the Lady Devils forced 18 turnovers to help them post a 51-34 victory.
The team is now 5-1 through its first six games.
“We’ve got four quality players that have good experience, and the girls behind them are making the most of their opportunities,” said Water Valley head coach Shayne Linzy. “I see us getting better after each game we play.”
Against Charleston (2-3) Monday, the Water Valley girls’ defense allowed the opponents three first half opponents (one in the opening quarter; two in the second).
“We played well,” Linzy said, but added, “I don’t fell like we played with any urgency. Maybe I should say we played well enough. But compared to our previous games, we did a better job of rebounding, of blocking out tonight. I felt good about our performance overall.”
Water Valley was paced by starter Brittany Weekly, who did her scoring – 17 points worth – over the first three quarters.
Misha Fondon added 12, while Miranda Phillips added six points – all in the final period – to go along with 10 rebounds.
Keke Fondon, who has taken over the starting point guard position vacated by Lauren Burgess, notched eight points, six rebounds and five steals.
“Everyone who stepped on the court tonight played well,” Linzy added. “We did have a lot of turnovers as a result of walking-calls, and that is something we are going to start working on immediately in practice.”
Nakita Kimble led the Lady Tigers, with 14 points.
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