WILLIAMSBURG — Ronnie Collier’s Whitley County Lady Colonels took part in three games this past week, going 0-3, but becoming better in the long run.
The Lady Colonels will enter January with a 4-6 mark, but look to be ready to make a run at the 50th District crown.
“Even though we went 0-3 in the Smoky Mountain Winter Classic, I really like the direction our team is going,” Collier said .”We got to play three quality teams, and we will be better because of it. We got a couple of girls slowing working their way back from injuries, and that is helping give us some much needed depth.”
Game One
Creekwood 65, Whitley County 36
“We cut the lead to 10 late in the 3rd quarter, but we just get consecutive stops to continue to cut into the lead,” Collier said. “Jonna (Rice) carried us scoring 18 points. Maddy (Hopkins) battled foul trouble for most of the game and scored 10 points in limited minutes.”
Fairview 52, Whitley County 46
“Against Fairview, we lost 52-46, but I feel like we played one of our best games all year,” Collier said. “Jonna and Maddy scored 17 a piece to lead us in scoring. Lydia (Hale) and Aubrey (Fore) scored five points a piece, with each hitting big 3 pointers in the third quarter to help us take a 43-42 lead into the 4th quarter. But, we got tired at the end and struggled to score in the 4th quarter. Fairview was able to make free throws down the stretch to get the win.”
Columbia Academy 48, Whitley County 42
“Against a very talented Columbia Academy team, we battled all game, but just couldn’t get over the hump to take the lead,” Collier said. “After getting down 10 in the fourth quarter, we were able to cut it to two with 40 seconds to go, but Columbia made free throws down the stretch to secure the win. Maddy led us in scoring with 25, and going 9-10 from the line. Jonna scored 11 points, with 9 of them coming in the fourth quarter. Cristen Siler dominated the boards, and that gave us several second chance opportunities.”
