Hawks split 4-AAA pair at W-Blount
HVA girls roll to 10th win; four in double figures led by Hampton’s 20
Hawks 77
Governors 66
MARYVILLE — Hardin Valley Academy’s Lady Hawks started fast and never trailed in its District 4-AAA game at William Blount last Thursday, nabbing a 77-66 victory over the Lady Governors.
HVA (10-4 overall, 4-1 in the district) withstood a William Blount team that thrives on the outside shot, as the Lady Governors (12-5, 3-2) knocked down 14 three-point shots.
But it wasn’t nearly enough. HVA head coach Jennifer Galloway said she was pleased with her squad’s defense.
“We played good defense and we had a great team effort,” Galloway said. “William Blount is a tough team. They pride themselves on ball pressure and playing defense.
“This is a tough place to play and they’re a really good team. They like to shoot the 3-pointer and that can really change a game. They made 14 tonight but a lot of times we had a hand in their faces,” Galloway added. “This is a great way to start 2017. It’s a great way to start the second half of our season.”
At the end of the opening quarter, the Lady Hawks held a slim 23-20 advantage. Hardin Valley then closed out the first half with a 15-8 second-quarter surge.
The Hawks boasted a balanced attack as four of its players posted double figures in the scoring column. Bekah Hampton scored a game-high 20 points. Paige Gentry added 19. Abbey Cornelius had 17 and Symphony Buxton chipped in 14.
Guard Lizzie Davis finished with seven, as Galloway commended the play of her guards.
“Bekah, Lizzie Davis and Paige did a good job against their pressure,” Galloway said.
