Lady Hawks soar past Karns
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Hardin Valley Academy’s Alaina Lineberry drives to the basket against Karns during Tuesday night’s game. Lineberry scored 10 points as the Lady Hawks rolled to a 63-25 victory on Dec. 16. - Ellie Hatmaker
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Hardin Valley Academy’s Emma Rhoden looks for an opening to the basket during the Lady Hawks’ game against Karns on Tuesday, Dec. 16. - Ellie Hatmaker
Hardin Valley — Hardin Valley Academy girls basketball coach Jennifer Galloway left Tuesday night pleased with both the performance and growth shown by her young Lady Hawks after a decisive 63-25 home victory over Karns on Dec. 16.
“I’m really proud of our girls,” Galloway said. “We rebounded pretty well, played good defense and shot the ball pretty well. We also saw some different defenses and did a good job adjusting.”
The Lady Hawks overcame some early shooting struggles by leaning on their defense, which set the tone from the opening tip. Hardin Valley limited Karns to just two points in the first quarter while building a 10-2 lead.
Karns (0-8) got its lone first-quarter basket from Kiki Clay, the Lady Beavers’ only returning starter from last season’s Region 2-4A Tournament team, when she scored late in the opening period.
Hardin Valley (5-6) continued to smother Karns’ offense in the second quarter, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Lady Hawks steadily extended their lead and went into halftime ahead 27-8.
The lopsided score allowed Galloway to rotate her lineup freely, giving extended minutes to her reserves early in the game.
“We got everybody into the game and we got everybody in early,” Galloway said. “That’s important because we’re going to need all of them at some point in the season.”
While the Lady Beavers struggled to sustain offensive rhythm until the outcome was decided, Hardin Valley’s offense continued to click, especially from the perimeter. The Lady Hawks knocked down nine three-pointers on the night and consistently moved the ball to find open looks.
Marley Edwards led all scorers with 17 points, including five three-pointers. Audree Rhien added 15 points while Alaina Lineberry and Holly Lindsey each scored 10. Sarah Galloway hit a pair of three-pointers, and Gracie Edwards added another from beyond the arc.
Clay led Karns with 16 points.
