Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — Once the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers got their engine running, they didn’t slow down.

The Lady Tigers — who are replacing three starters — had trouble getting any separation from the Portsmouth Lady Trojans in the first half.

But behind the shooting of Lexie Barrier, the Lady Tigers revved up their engine in the third quarter and outscored Portsmouth 23-3 en route to a 70-40 romp Friday night.

Ironton’s defense forced 30 turnovers for the game and scored 27 points off the miscues.

“We played well defensively,” said Ironton coach Doug Graham. “When we sit down and guard, we play well.

“But Portsmouth battled and hung in there the first half. The Williams girl is pretty good.”

Barrier led Ironton (1-0) with 24 points including five 3-pointers as she made 9-of-14 shots.

“She was on fire. We gave her the ball and just got out of her way,” said Graham.

Macy Wise had 14 points and seven rebounds including five on the offensive glass. Cheyenne Scott scored 13 to go with five assists and two steals.

Peighton Williams hit four 3-pointers and scored 24 to lead the Lady Trojans who had seven 3-pointers among their 10 field goals.

Portsmouth (0-1) got a putback basket by Justice Swords to begin the game and give the Lady Trojans their only lead. However, Ironton rallied and went ahead 16-11 at the end of the quarter.

Scott scored 11 of her points in the second quarter as Ironton took a 33-26 halftime lead. Portsmouth did get within five in the quarter when Wesleigh Jackson banked in a 3-pointer.

But Barrier scored 16 of her points in the third quarter and the defense clamped down and held Portsmouth to just three points as Ironton took a 56-29 lead.

Ironton plays at Rock Hill next Friday.

Ironton 16 17 23 14 = 70

Portsmouth 11 15 3 11 = 40

IRONTON (1-0): Lexie Washington 1 0 0-0 2, Jordan Hannan 4 0 0-0 8, Taylor Hannan 1 0 1-2 3, Lexie Barrier 4 5 1-2 24, Macy Wise 3 0 8-12 14, Karlie Rase 1 0 0-0 2, Peyton Arden 0 0 2-2 2, Alyssa Lewis 1 0 0-0 2, Cheyenne Scott 2 1 6-8 13. Totals: 23-63 18-26 70. 3-point goals: 6-11. Rebounds: 28 (Wise 7, Scott 7, Barrier 6). Assists: 10 (Scott 5, Barrier 3). Steals: 11 (Barrier 3, Scott 2, Taylor Hannan 2). Fouls: 21. Fouled out: Rase.

PORTSMOUTH (0-1): Faythe Lee 0 1 0 3, Wesleigh Jackson 0 2 3-4 9, Peighton Williams 2 4 8-11 24, Justice Swords 1 0 0 2, Semajah Parker 0 0 2-2 2, Jada Jenkins 0 0 0-1 0, Mya Williams 0 0 0-2 0. Totals: 3 7 13-18 40. Fouls: 19. Fouled Out: Lee.