Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — It looks as though the Coal Grove Lady Hornets have found their true “Destiny.”
Finding their way was linked to Destiny Dolen as the Lady Hornets breezed past the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 56-20 in an Ohio Valley Conference game on Thursday.
“We started off with some tight defense early in the first quarter that allowed us to get some steals that led to some lay ups,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Rick Roach.
“ Destiny Dolen has really been able to apply a lot of pressure to other teams that allows our other guards to get those steals. She is a player that has consistently put stats in all categories which is a tremendous asset.”
Emily Compliment scored 19 points to lead the Lady Hornets. Dolen scored 12 and Bailey McKnight added 10.
Semajah Parker scored 10 for Portsmouth (0-3, 0-2).
Compliment scored 9 points including a 3-pointer and Dolen had 6 more as Coal Grove bolted to a 19-2 first quarter lead.
Dolen had 6 more points in the second quarter and the lead was 28-6 at the half.
Compliment and Dolen combined for 11 points in the third quarter as Coal Grove pulled away to a comfortable 43-10 cushion.
McKnight had 5 points in the fourth quarter as Coal Grove outscored Portsmouth 13-10.
“I was glad to see our forwards get in and battle for some rebounds. Bryant is beginning to give us more and more every time she gets playing time. We have to do a better job shooting free throws to win the right games,” said Roach.
“I was also glad to see McKnight give us some scoring tonight.”
On Monday, Coal Grove visits Fairland and Portsmouth hosts South Point.
Portsmouth       2    4    4    10    =    20
Coal Grove      19    9    15    13    =    56
PORTSMOUTH (0-3, 0-2): Kylisha Kearns 0 0 1-2 1, Hannah Hughes 1 1 0-0 5, Destiny McKenzie 0 0 0-0 0, Jaiden Rickett 1 0 0-0 2, Mya Williams 0 0 0-0 0, Semajah Parker 3 0 4-12 10, Layla Kegg 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 6-52 5-14 20. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: Kearns, Hughes.
COAL GROVE (3-1, 1-1): Bailey McKnight 3 0 4-6 10, Emily Compliment 6 1 4-7 19, Kasey Murphy 1 0 0-2 2, Destiny Dolen 6 0 0-0 12, Emileigh Bryant 0 0 0-0 0, Halie Frazier 0 0 0-0 0, Kylie Deer 0 0 2-2 2, Lauren Holliday 1 0 0-2 2, Jaida Smith 1 0 0-0 2, Lauren Crum 2 0 3-4 7. Totals: 21-63 13-23 56. 3-point goals: 1. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.