PEARCY, Ark. – Just plug in a head coach and Lake Hamilton’s girls will prove they can play with the best.
Head coach Blake Condley was back on the bench Friday night at the Wolf Den. The Lady Wolves (10-3) rewarded him with their sixth straight win, including their conference opener with Sheridan, 70-37.
“We’re fortunate to have a great coaching staff with no egos at Lake Hamilton,” said Condley, who had missed three games because of illness. “We all work together and support each other. With us (Condley and staff) out, we’re fortunate to have people like Brandi Higginbotham and Scotty Pennington to fill in.
Head coach proud of his girls
“We give the girls a gameplan, and tell them what to do. Still, the girls have to go out and do it. They did just that tonight. We’re really playing well together right now. I love this group of girls because they like to be in the gym. That’s how you develop good shooters.”
Good shooters is what the Lady Wolves were Friday night. Five Lake Hamilton girls converted 3-pointers, and four scored in double figures. The winners finished with 11 treys, nine coming in the first half when Lake Hamilton built a 46-22 cushion.
That lead would be 41 in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. Sheridan outscored the Wolves 12-2 in the final four minutes after Condley cleared his bench.
Balance key to Lady Wolves’ success
“When our opponents key on Aspen Thornton and Hayleigh Wyrick, and the other girls chip in, we’re hard to guard,” said Condley. “As long as we do the things we’re supposed to do I like our chances in conference. I’m proud of these girls. They shared the ball, and played as a team. That’s the key for us the next two months.”
Thornton led Lake Hamilton with 18 points, 16 in the first half. Audri Winfrey contributed 15 points, with 11 coming in the first two quarters. Wyrick tallied 13 points, while Ginny Higginbotham poured in all 11 of her points in the first half.
The mercy-rule had the clock running the final eight minutes. Claire Denney led the Lady Jackets with 12 points.
Lake Hamilton will be back in action Tuesday at Lakeside.