Lady Demons down Newport for second win

By Wade Holland

Publisher

Continuing to show signs of improvement, the Williamstown Lady Demons put together what is very likely their most complete game of the season in a 63-50 win over visiting Newport on Wednesday.

Newport, which won 19 games a year ago after 18 wins the previous season, was no match for the Lady Demons, who led from beginning to end, including by double digits for three-plus quarters.

"We played much better in spurts doing the things that we've been working on," said Williamstown Coach Kasey Mason, whose team improved to 2-2 with the win. "Offensively it was a much better job of executing and moving the ball around and making the extra pass. Even when Newport went into a zone we adjusted well without me having to do anything or say anything. And I really liked the tenacity on defense at times."

WHS improves to 2-2 heading into district matchup with Walton

Kennedy, Montgomery combine for 30

in Lady Demons' win over Newport

Junior Rachel Montgomery (15) puts up a shot over the out-stretched hands of a Newport Defender for two of her 13.

Sophomore point guard Michaela Kennedy (10) puts the ball up in traffic against Newport for two of her game-high 17 points.

While she had plenty of praise for her team, Mason did find fault in the Lady Demons' performance, mainly in the defensive department where Williamstown struggled at times while allowing Newport 28 offensive rebounds.

"Defensively, there were times when we played really good, solid defense," she said. "But then there were times when we weren't playing good defense and it was ugly. We're still in the process of learning."

Williamstown jumped on top early and never let up, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and holding it for the rest of the game. Newport did cut the Lady Demons' advantage down to 10 in the fourth quarter but could get no closer.

Michaela 'Moose' Kennedy led the way for the Lady Demons with a game-high 17 points, which included three 3-pointers. The sophomore point guard scored 11 in the first half, including all three of her 3-pointers, which gave Williamstown a major boost.

"Michaela likes to shoot the 3. And after she struggled a little from behind the arch the last two games, it was good to see her step up and hit those shots," said Mason. "It's nice that her offense was able to spark some other offense. As soon as someone hits a big shot or two, it gives the rest of the team confidence. It takes some of the pressure off and the girls are able to relax and get more into the game."

Next for the Lady Demons was junior Rachel Montgomery, who was starting for only the second time this season as she works her way back from a pre-season injury. Montgomery scored 13 points, including 11 in the first half, which included a big 3-pointerin the first quarter.

Senior Ashely Marksbury continued to be a major presense on the inside for Williamstown with eight points and nine rebounds. She was followed by junior Katie Cheek with seven points and eight rebounds.

Eighth-grader Kiki Johnson came off the bench and contributed six points for the winners, followed by Sydney Taylor and Haley Howe with four points each. Olivia Souder and Justice Chambers added two points each for the Lady Demons.

Following Marksbury and Cheek in the rebounding department was Souder and Taylor with five each, Howe and Kennedy three each, Montgomery and Johnson with two apiece, and Chambers with one.

Williamstown returns to action on Friday, December 12 at home against district-rival Walton-Verona. Game time is set for 6 and 7:30 p.m.