Petersburg girls basketball beats Armstrong 56-27 on the road

Despite a squad of eight players, the Petersburg girls’ basketball team was able to win their first game with experience and play as a team for 32 minutes in the 56:27 win over Armstrong-Kennedy.

“We did well, there are just a few more adjustments to be made,” said head coach Latoya Harrison.

Tanaya Williams and Star Everett, Junior Guards, led the girls on the defensive and created offensive opportunities. The Wave led 6-2 early on and only pulled away with their efforts, with everyone else stepping forward in their own way.

But it was the juniors who set the tone. Everett’s defense at the perimeter and the graininess under the basket showed her teammates what these fights should be like. Williams would generate scoring opportunities

“They are seasoned players … I expect a lot from them,” said Harrison.

When the seconds of the first quarter are up, the common practice is to pass or hold the ball to kill time. But freshman April Scott would fire a three-point shot to extend the 23-5 lead.

Scott may be a freshman but he plays like a seasoned goalscorer for the wave. She was able to score points for herself by putting the defenders in the basket and putting the ball. The young newcomer had 18 points that evening.

To open the second quarter veteran defense, Everett Armstrong took over freshman point guard Cherish Daily. Daily would have eight points at half and would only be a nuisance for the Wave as she is a quick watch. Everett’s quick feet and even quicker hands were able to snap up a couple of Daily Steels and create quick scoring opportunities.

Some quick breaks worked better than others, but Everett had her teammates ready to follow her; Hands ready for a pass when a defender collapses on top of her. Most of the shots went in.

But when shots went missing and a simple ricochet went off the rim, senior forward / center Dajiah Jones knew where to be for the rebound. Most of her seven points came from second opportunities for the wave. When she got off the bank, others followed suit to shoot people on the block to shoot.

Experience with the ball down and staying calm would send the wave forward and they would take half 33-15. They couldn’t be stopped in the second half either.

“Right has taken its lead all the way to carry us,” concluded Harrison.

Everett’s defense in the first half only went on and the Wave would continue to score points on quick breaks. Quick breaks and transition points were everyone involved. Everett and Williams would pass the ball around the arch and wait for the right shot.

A second chance shot after the second chance shot would make it 38-16. Scott’s shooting would make it 41-20 and in the third quarter Raychell Traynham put a second chance at 43-20.

But in the fourth quarter Williams took over and was able to meet Harrison’s expectations of an experienced player. At the start she scored consecutive points, reaching 51-25. Williams would have eight points in the quarter and a total of 13 points.

One final foray in the fourth quarter through the Wave made it a 56-27 win over the Wildcats. The girls take over again against Thomas Jefferson on Thursday evening.

Zoe Collins Rath (sie / her / hers) is a sports and education reporter for the Progress Index. For times, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @ zoe_jordan99.