Bearden Lady Bears dominate 61-23 Hampton at home

Photo By: Michael Hanich
Bearden forward Qwamiya Jones shoots the ball in the game against Hampton.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Bearden forward Qwamiya Jones shoots the ball in the game against Hampton.

Last Friday night was an opportunity for two teams to climb higher in conference play. The conference standings were the least of the concern for the Bearden Lady Bears and the Hampton Lady Bulldogs, who entered Friday's matchup than to knock off their rivals. Bearden entered this game having won the previous matchup this season with a 45-30 win at Hampton on December 7th. The Bears had the players, the home-court advantage, and the previous win over their rivals. Those fueled the Bears to a dominating 61-23 on Friday night.

The Lady Bears came out strong on defense and remained tight throughout the game. Bearden's defense did not allow a single field goal from Hampton in the first quarter. The Lady Bears jumped to a 7-0 lead early thanks to the Bears' dominance in the paint from forwards Amiriah Edwards and Qwamiya Jones and center Dyma Flint. Hampton was finally able to get on the board through free throws down 12-1. Bearden jumped out to a 19-4 dominating score at the end of the first quarter. Due to a tenacious Bears defense, Hampton missed all ten of their shots in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Bearden's defense remained strong as they held Hampton to their first field goal at 4:35 left in the second quarter. On the offensive end of the court, Bearden was stretching the ball around as they were getting more players to get on the board. Hampton was able to get some efficient threes on the board late in the third quarter. Despite some better opportunities to score, Bearden outscored Hampton 12-10 in the second quarter to be up 32-14 at halftime.

The defense of the Bears continued to suffocate the offense of the Bulldogs. Hampton could only make 3-of-10 in field goals shot in the third quarter. Jones was having a hot quarter as she was quickly diagnosing the weakness defensive coverage of Hampton for some quick buckets. The Bears continued to be more physical than the Bulldogs as second-chance buckets was a problem for Hampton. Bearden outscored Hampton 16-9 in the third quarter to lead 48-23 at the end of the third quarter.

Bearden not only wanted this win over their rivals, but they also wanted to show why they were the better team. Hampton completely fell apart on both ends of the court to Bearden. The stars and the reserves of Bearden had their moment in the fourth quarter as the defense completely shut out the Bulldogs from scoring in the fourth quarter. Hampton was held to shooting 0-of-10 in field goals. The Bears did not let up on finding ways to score in the fourth quarter as they scored 13 points.

The Lady Bears shot 23-of-53 in field goals attempted, while Hampton shot a dismal 6-of-37 (16.2%) in field goals and 4-of-23 (17.4%) in three-point shooting. Bearden's defense had one of their best performances all year against one of their biggest rivals.

Jones and Flint both had a tremendous game for Bearden by being the leader of the Bears' dominating offense and defense. Jones led the team in points accounted for with 21 points. Flint was a huge presence in the paint on both ends of the court as she accounted for 17 points, shooting 6-of-9 in field goals as well as 5-of-6 at the free-throw line. She also accounted for six rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Edwards accounted for 13 points shooting 5-of-8 in field goals, nine rebounds, and three assists. Guard Abigial Avant was one of the Bears' most efficient small ball contributors as she was efficient at forcing the Bulldogs to take rushed three-point shots.

The Lady Bears (6-6; 5-4 in conference play) are looking to continue their two-game win streak as they go on the road to take on the Gurdon Go-Devils (6-3; 4-1 in conference play) this Tuesday night.

  photo  Photo By: Michael Hanich Bearden guard Abigail Avant looks to pass the ball in the game against Hampton.
 
 

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