Braxton Middle School Lady Knights Win 11 Straight Games

By Shirley Shuman
With four wins last week, the Lady Knights moved to 11 straight wins. They defeated Gilmer, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster with only one of those games played at home. According to Coach Jason Hunt, the Lady Knights are ranked second in the conference, one game behind the Summersville Bears.
The first of their four straight wins was a 35-27 victory over the Gilmer Lady Titans. Coach Hunt explained that the Lady Knights had a slow start because he “was experimenting with a different defensive style.” The coach ran that defense through the first half but made adjustments at halftime because his team led by only 16-15 at the half.
In the fourth quarter, the Lady Titans pulled within five after making some 3-point baskets and receiving what Coach Hunt thought were questionable calls by officials. Braxton sealed the win on Zoey McQuain’s basket and a free throw.
Lady Knight’s scoring was balanced. Emily Short scored 9, Ava Nettles, and McKenzie Conrad each had 8, Lydia Gerwig 5, Zoey McQuain 4. Leading in rebounds, Nettles pulled down 12, and McQuain had 10.
The Lady Knights’ next game put them against the undefeated Clay Panthers in an important conference game that could determine home court advantage in the end-of-season tournament. Coach Hunt mentioned that the game was played “in the undersized and packed Clay Middle School gym.”
The coach reported that his team’s defense “started off great, getting steals and getting out in the transition,” but didn’t capitalize on layup opportunities. The Lady Knights did remain focused and managed to score starting from the foul line with Emily Short. Lydia Gerwig also connected on two 3-point attempts and the Lady Knights “started to roll.” They lead 17-6 at halftime.
Although the Knights expected a strong run by Clay in the second half, their defense held strong. Ava Nettles had several blocks. Braxton won that game 31-17 as Lydia Gerwig led the way with 14 points and Short also in double figures at 12. McKenzie Conrad added 3 and Zoey McQuain 2.
About the Clay game, Coach Hunt noted, “Our main focus was to come out strong from the tip as Clay was undefeated, and I felt that they weren’t used to being down and we [might] be able to get them flustered and that’s exactly what happened.”
For their third win of the week, the Lady Knights outscored Calhoun 31-24 in a game Coach Hunt found unsatisfactory insofar as the referees, the person running the score clock, and the bookkeeper were concerned. He gave an example of the problems they faced, “We went in at the half up 15-9, but when the third quarter started, we only had 13,” he said, as he mentioned other officiating problems. He did say his players “were able to keep their frustrations to a minimum” to take the win.
Playing their first home game of the busy week, the Lady Knights faced conference rival Webster for the second time this season. They won that game 52-12. Coach Hunt reported that the Braxton girls “came out of the gate firing, scoring right from the tip on a layup by Lydia Gerwig.” With high pressure defense, the lady Knights were up 19-3 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Braxton went to half-court defense and still put up 16 points to lead 35-8 at the half. Short had a strong presence in the first half as she scored 22 of the Knights’ 35 points, including going 4 of 5 from the foul line.
Braxton maintained their momentum in the second half and also managed to try some new offensive tactics, playing five-in and five-out in both third and fourth quarters. The Knights shot well and had four 3-pointers – two by Short and two by Gerwig. Short led with 22, Gerwig scored 12, Pritt 6, McQuain and Nettles 4 each, and Conrad, Mollohan, and Davis 2 each. At the foul line Braxton went 8 for 9. Once again, Nettles pulled down 8 rebounds.
Coach Hunt commented on the week. “This has been an exhausting week for both the Lady Knights and the coaches, playing four games in a row and three being away. The girls were tested in every game, played in some hostile environments, had some close games – all with a lack of rest in between,” he said.
The coach added, “They showed a lot of heart and mental toughness this week playing through adversity and coming out on top. Although it was a tough week, it was a great learning experience and will only help them going forward. Currently, we sit one game behind the Summersville Bears. We’re looking forward to three home games next week to close out the season.”