PEARCY, Ark. – Lake Hamilton’s status at the top of the girls 5A South basketball standings appeared in jeopardy, but only for two quarters.
Lakeside shut down the Lady Wolves’ potent offense for 16 minutes, and led 20-19 at intermission. A 13-0 run in the third quarter by Lake Hamilton (17-3, 8-0) turned the contest into a lopsided 65-38 win.
The Lady Rams were hoping to claim a share of first place with a win, but they remain second at 14-6 overall and 7-2 in conference. Both setbacks were to the Wolves.
Lakeside played super for two quarters
“Lakeside really played well the first half,” said winning coach Blake Condley. “I think our girls missed some shots they’re used to making, and we didn’t get into a good flow offensively. Give Lakeside credit, they played well defensively and rebounded well.
“We told the girls at halftime not to panic, and don’t get away from the game plan. We wanted to keep applying pressure on defense, and get some baskets in transition. Getting some turnovers and defensive rebounds was they key to scoring in transition.”
The Wolves’ second half went as planned. Lakeside had all kinds of trouble getting the ball up court, and couldn’t keep Lake Hamilton’s top three scorers off the scoreboard.
Audri Winfrey scored all 14 of her points in the second half, while teammate Hayleigh Wyrick poured in eight points in the third quarter. Wyrick finished with 15, while senior standout Aspen Thornton scored nine of her game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter.
Wolves pull away with big third period
Lake Hamilton pulled away in the third period by outscoring the Rams, 25-8. The Wolves dominated the final half, 46-18. They did that by scoring inside, with only four 3-pointers in the game.
“I’m really proud of how we played in the first half,” said Lakeside coach Chris Brock. “Our defense in the first half was great, spot on.
“Lake Hamilton loves transition, and they love shooting the three. We took that away until the third quarter. When their lead got to double digits we got into a game that we don’t want to play with them. Once they get going they’re an offensive machine. We wanted to be physical, maybe to a fault because we got in early foul trouble.”
Ronni Formby led the Rams with 12 points before fouling out of the game. Adachi Igbokidi contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.