Lady Dragons defeat Commerce

It was just the kind of game the Lady Dragons needed on Friday, as they hosted the Lady Tigers of Commerce. Jefferson took the lead early, 11-6 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Jefferson really went to work, outscoring Commerce 17-5 to take a 28-11 lead by the half.

Commerce valiantly tried to mount a comeback in the third, as both teams scored ten points each. But Jefferson held the Lady Tigers to only six points in the fourth, while scoring ten more themselves to put Commerce away with a 48-27 final.

“Our kids played well on Friday,” said coach Jason Gibson. “We did a better job of taking care of the ball and getting some quality looks at the basket. We were able to shoot the ball like we are capable of as a result.

“I thought our defensive pressure gave them some problems and we were able to capitalize on some of the their mistakes.

“Commerce is a good basketball team and our kids were excited about getting the win.”

Erin Knight led the Lady Dragons in scoring with 15 points, while Bethany Whitlock added 12 and Callie Holloway scored eight. Marcayla Hester led the team in rebounds with seven.

“It was a very good team effort across the board,” Gibson said. “We got in some early foul trouble and we had some young kids come in and really step up. I’m very proud of the improvement this group has made.

“We just have to continue to work hard and try to improve every time out. Our schedule is a bear, but I think it will make us better in the long run.”

The Lady Dragons were scheduled to travel to East Hall on Tuesday. Results were unavailable at press time.