The Kosciusko Lady Whippets returned to the hardwood on Saturday to participate in the Meridian Shootout Tournament.
The Lady Whippets showed a little rust early from their holiday layoff, but they ultimately defeated Kemper County, 48-39.
Kemper County took an 11-9 lead into the start of the second quarter, but a 15-point Kosciusko effort during the frame sent the Lady Whippets into halftime with a 26-18 lead.
“That’s one of the downfalls of playing when you’re on a roll, and then you have that big, long break,” Kosciusko coach Cory Guyton said. “We had a two-week break. I know we practiced some over the holidays… but they don’t get as many reps as they usually do when they’re in full-time. I think that played a factor, just getting into the routine.”
Kosciusko scored 12 points in the third quarter and added another 11 points in the fourth.
Jakrya Young scored 20 points to go with eight rebounds, five steals, three assists and one block. Ariel Fleming added 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Young garnered accolades as Kosciusko player of the game, and she was named the most valuable player by event organizers.
While the win will not impact the Lady Whippets standing in the Region 4-4A race, Guyton said it will surely effect his players' psyche as they embark on their run for the region crown.
“After a win, it always builds your confidence,” Guyton said. “I think we got our momentum back a little bit in the second half and got back to playing the way we should have played. We still didn’t hit our stride like I wanted us to, but that’s still good momentum going into district play.”
BOYS
Kosciusko (12-3) resumes play on Tuesday at Choctaw Central (12-5). The first game of the new year also marks the Whippets’ first Region 4-4A contest of the season. Tuesday’s game will be Choctaw Central’s first as a member of Region 4-4A. Last year, the Warriors competed in Region 5-3A. They compiled a 24-7 overall record and went 9-1 in region games. Choctaw Central carries a five-game win streak into this week’s matchup.
Kosciusko also has games this week at Louisville (Friday) and J.Z. George (Saturday).
