By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

LATHAM — At the start of the season, Symmes Valley coach Brandon Walker stressed defense.

The Lady Vikings were listening on Thursday.

Turning in a strong defensive effort, the Lady Vikings rolled past the Western Pike Lady Indians 61-26 in a Southern Ohio Conference game.

“I’m pleased. It was a good defensive effort. We got a big lead and then we were able to work on some things,” said Walker.

The Lady Vikings had three players in double figures led by Kalli Hunt with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists. Megan Johnson scored 12 points to go with 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Hannah Maynard had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. Gracie Waddle added 8 rebounds and 5 steals while Sarah Crabtree had 7 rebounds.

With the defense forcing 12 turnovers, Johnson scored 5 points in the first quarter as Symmes Valley took a 12-0 lead.

The Lady Vikings led 20-0 in the second quarter before Western scored. Crabtree, Maynard and Hunt scored 4 points each in the second quarter as the lead ballooned to 33-7 at the half.

Hunt scored 6 more in the third quarter to help extend the lead to 53-17.

Brittany Reader had 11 points for Western (1-5).

Symmes Valley 12 21 20 8 = 61

Western Pike 0 7 10 9 = 26

SYMMES VALLEY (4-2, 4-2): Malenna Davis 3 0 3-3 9, Gracie Waddle 3 0 0- 0 6, Kalli Hunt 7 0 0-1 14, Megan Johnson 5 0 2-5 12, Sarah Crabtree 3 0 0-0 6, Hannah Maynard 5 0 0-0 10, Lindsey Kouns 1 0 0-0 2, Taylor Michael 1 0 0-0 2, Autumn Keathley 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 28 0 5-9 61. Fouls: 9. Fouled out: None.

WESTERN PIKE (1-5, 1-5): Arica Gragg 0 0 2-2 2, Haley Knauff 1 0 0-0 2, Jayme Parker 0 1 0-0 3, Brittany Reader 3 1 2-2 11, Lex Coulson 2 0 1-5 5, Liz Jackson 1 0 1-2 3. Totals: 7 2 4-11 26. Fouls: 10. Fouled out: None.