In Dec. 25 IssueBy Derek AaronTimes Journal Sports EditorThe Russell County Lady Lakers defeated Burgin by a score of 77-46 at Laker Gym to improve to 5-1 on the year on Friday night.
Coach Craig Pippen’s team managed to get out to an early lead and never looked back.
“I was pleased with our overall effort in the Burgin game,” he said. “Our defensive intensity was much better and we executed our offense against a 1-2-2-zone, something we will see more of.”
Pippen said he continued to be impressed with the play of Sara McClure.
“She continues to do an outstanding job coming off the bench,” he said. “LeeAnn Grider did a nice job for us offensively and is becoming a better defender at this level.”
Grider led Russell County with 20 points and three steals. Kim Pierce was also in double figures with 12 points.
Pippen lauded the play of sophomore Lindsay Ramage whom he said had an had an outstanding game on both ends of the court. Ramage had eight points and five rebounds in the game.
“Our free throw shooting was a little better and we shot the ball well from the field,” he said. Rachael Miller and Kyla Thomas both scored six points. Thomas also pulled down five rebounds.
Julie Wethington scored five points for the Lady Lakers while Sara McClure, Ines Stricker and Heather Burton scored four points apiece.
Tyla Bailey, Amanda Cooper, Ally Harris and Blair Hoover each added a bucket each in the game. The Lady Lakers outscored Burgin 40-16 in the paint as well.
Pippen said at this point in the season, his team’s goal is to continue to become a much tougher team by increasing their overall intensity level.
“We are looking forward to playing in the Logan County Tournament over the break,” he said.
His Lady Lakers play Menifee County on the Dec. 29, Pickett Co. Tenn. on Dec. 30 and John Hardin on Dec. 31.
“As you can see, we have our work cut out for us,” Pippen said.
