Intense Team Defense Leads Lady Flyers Over Marlin

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)

By Michael V. Hannigan

CORSICANA -- The LaPoynor Lady Flyers beat Marlin in Area round action Friday, 46-31, behind a gritty defensive effort that frustrated the Lady Bulldogs all night.

This one was intense from the tipoff.

"It was a really emotional game for this group," said LaPoynor first-year Coach Chris Jost. "Marlin is the team that knocked them out in the third round last year. Our girls brought a lot of emotion from that memory. It was a big hurdle for us to get over, but we found a way in the second half.

Whether they were attacking Marlin with their front court trap or falling back into a 2-3 zone, the Lady Flyers were able to force the Lady Bulldogs into turnovers and bad shots. Marlin scored in single digits in three of the four quarters.

"We just kept coming at them," said Coach Jost. "The girls really dug deep and found some grit and shut them down."

On the offensive end, LaPoynor took advantage of its speed with drives to the basket that either ended in a bucket, free throws, and often both.

Savannah Reynolds led the way with 20 points, including going 9-of-13 from the free throw line. Brooklyn Bristow had 9 points, Kendall Garcia 8, Bre Howard 7, and Maddie Owens 2.

Marlin was led by Keundra Wilson with 10 points.

The Lady Flyers now advance to the Regional Semifinal round against Hawkins. I will update with game time and date as soon as it is available.