Lady Jackets On Three-Game Streak

The Lady Jackets basketball team defeated a scrappy Wilberforce squad at home Jan. 11. The final score was 87-57.

The Jackets used a big first half run to take control of the game. With the score standing at 21-16 with seven minutes to go, their charge was fueled by man-to-man defense. The Jackets’ defense made second chance points nearly impossible for Wilberforce by grabbing important rebounds. This allowed the Jackets to close the half with a scoring run to extend their lead to 38-23. Kayla Jenerette, who topped all scorers with 16 points, was key during this run.

In the second half, Kayla Linkous and Lauryn Robinson controlled the boards, leading Cedarville in the paint. They played a crucial role in Cedarville’s dominance of the paint, outscoring Wilberforce 40-14. Linkous grabbed 12 rebounds while Robinson was 5-6 from the field and grabbed six rebounds of her own.

“I thought our four’s and five’s played really well,” Head Coach Kirk Martin said. “I was pleased with how we got them the ball. They had struggled earlier in the year for two reasons. One, the competition was terrific, and two, we struggled a bit with the physicality of some of the other teams.”

Martin spoke highly of all his post players, including Deborah Gordon, who tallied eight points, and Danielle Spiliotis, who contributed seven.

“They on their own decision have done a really nice job getting on the boards,” Martin said.

Taylor Vander Plas also had a nice night for the Jackets.

“I thought we were terrific in our man-to-man,” Martin said. “In particular, I thought Taylor was just dynamite in our 54 defense.”

Martin’s 54 defense was designed to hold Wilberforce senior Danisha Brown in check. It worked, as Brown was taken out of the game and finished with just seven points. Vander Plas was a presence on defense and on offense as well, scoring 12 points and tallying six assists.

For the Wilberforce Bulldogs, Brittani Thomas had a strong evening, with 14 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Da’Sha’Nay Corley had six points and eight rebounds while Martina Brady scored five points and collected three steals.

This 87-57 win for Cedarville is a fork in the road. What lies ahead is a tough G-MAC conference schedule, beginning with a visit from Davis & Elkins College this Thursday, Jan. 16.

Dave Guidone is a sophomore social studies education major and a sports reporter for Cedars. He is from Bristol, Conn., his life verse is Psalms 19:14, and he loves time spent with family and friends.