Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

COAL GROVE — The game was like a rollercoaster and it proved to be quite a ride.

In a thrilling finish, the Coal Grove Lady Hornets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 57-54 on Thursday.

“This was a great game to watch if you’re a fan, but a stressful game to coach,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Rick Roach.

“Both teams were up and down the court the entire time. The kids were spent.”

Coal Grove (2-0) was 7 of 32 from the field in the first half and fell behind 22-16. The Lady Hornets were down 38-30 heading into the final quarter, but they went on an 18-4 run as they staged a comeback that gave them a 10-point lead with less than two minutes to play.

Portsmouth cut the deficit to one with 1:15 to go but the Lady Hornets were 4 of 7 from the foul line down the stretch to preserve the win.

Ashley Adkins scored 20 points to lead the Lady Hornets. Jacy Jones scored 14 points. Darrien Hankins grabbed 10 rebounds and Morgan Sites pulled down 7.

“Hankins did great playing defense on Williams,” said Roach. “I asked a lot out of Jones. Adkins and Hankins never came out the entire game. They responded well.”

Peighton Williams had a game-high 24 points to lead Portsmouth. The Lady Trojans hit nine 3-point goals.

However, Hankins turned up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter and held Williams to a pair of 2-point baskets.

“My girls kept their composure and finished the game at the free throw line,” said Roach.

Portsmouth (1-1) was missing two players due to illness and one with an injury including starter Kayleigh White.

The Lady Hornets host Alexander on Monday.

Portsmouth 13 9 16 16 = 54

Coal Grove 10 6 14 27 = 57

PORTSMOUTH (1-1): Izie Sturgill 0 0 0, Tyler Mallory 3 0-1 6, Maggie Sturgill 0 0 0-0 0, Bria Webb 0 0-0 0, Peighton Williams 9 0 6-8 24, Jada Jenkins 4 1-2 10, Jackson 7 0-0 14. Totals: 10 9 7-11 54. Fouls: 19. Fouled out: I. Sturgill, Mallory, M. Sturgill.

COAL GROVE (1-0): Jacy Jones 6 2-2 14, Katey Erwin 2 0-0 4, Leah Crum 1 0-0 3, Taylor Fleming 1 1-3 4, Ashley Adkins 7 6-10 20, Morgan Sites 3 2-3 8, Darrien Hankins 2 0-2 4. Totals: 17 4 11-30 57. Fouls: 10. Fouled out: None.