CHESHIRE – That’s one, but Nathan Speed is more interested in how many will follow.

Wednesday, November 29, 2000

CHESHIRE – That’s one, but Nathan Speed is more interested in how many will follow.

The Fairland Lady Dragons head coach got a victory in his coaching debut Tuesday in a 63-35 rout of the River Valley Lady Raiders.

"It was great. It’s always tough. I was glad to get the first one out of the way," said Speed. "We still have a long way to go. But if we play well defensively, we’ll be fine."

The defense played well with 15 steals, four each by Brooke Fisher and Brooke Godby.

Fisher had a big game overall with seven points, 10 assists, and the four steals.

Jeana Diamond led Fairland with 16 points and seven rebounds. Ashley Harris added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Nichole Watkins had 14 points to pace River Valley.

Diamond scored 6 points the first quarter as Fairland took a 14-5 lead. It was 27-13 at the break.

Godby had 6 of her 8 points in the third quarter and Fairland outscored River Valley 20-11 to go ahead 47-24.

Harris dropped in 6 points the fourth quarter as Fairland continued to pull away.

"The was an excellent win for the girls. The seniors were excited. That’s the first time we’ve ever won at River Valley, boys or girls," said Speed.

"Everyone played well defensively. We were ready to play. Ashley Harris did a good job getting the team ready to play, and Brooke Fisher had an outstanding game. She moved the ball and we had a great bench contribution."

Fairland hosts South Gallia Thursday.

FAIRLAND – 14 13 20 16 – 63: Brooke Godby 3 0 2-2 8, Holly Harris 2 0 1-2 5, Michelle Payne 1 0 0-1 2, Ann Capper 2 0 4-4 8, Jennifer Jones 1 1 2-4 7, Ashley Harris 5 0 0-0 10, Brooke Fisher 2 0 3-3- 7, Jeana Diamond 7 0 2-4 16. Totals: 23 1 14-20 63. Fouls: 20. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 39 (Ashley Harris 10, Diamond 7). Assists: 16 (Fisher 10). Steals: 15 (Fisher 4, Godby 4). Turnovers: 16.

RIVER VALLEY – 5 8 11 11 – 35: Kari Taylor 1 2-2 4, Cynthia Ward 1 1 0-0 5, Nichole Watkins 4 0 6-15 14, Chelsea DeGarmo 1 0 1-3 3, Lindsey Nida 0 0 3-5 3, Britney McDade 2 0 0-0 4, Jamie Nichols 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 10 1 12-27 35. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.

Coal Grove 42, Portsmouth Clay 35

PORTSMOUTH – Good start.

The Coal Grove Lady Hornets opened the season on an up note with a 42-35 win over the Portsmouth Clay Lady Panthers Monday.

Desiree Butler scored 17 points to pace the offense. Cassie Ball had 11 points and eight rebounds while Sarah Patterson had a strong all-around game with 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocked shots.

Katie Hemphill scored 11 points and Emily Broughton 10 for Clay.

Coal Grove trailed 7-6 after the first quarter but rallied to take a 16-15 halftime lead.

The game was tied 29-29 after three quarters and then Coal Grove held Clay to six points the fourth quarter to get the win.

Coal Grove plays at Portsmouth Notre Dame Monday.

COAL GROVE – 6 10 13 13 – 42: Cassie Ball 5 1-2 11, Desiree Butler 3 3 2-2 17, Stacy Easterling 0 1-2 1, Sarah Patterson 4 2-4 10, Jennifer Christian 0 1-2 1, Jessica Bryant 1 0-2 2. Totals: 13 3 7-14 42. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 21 (Ball 8, Patterson 7). Assists: 12 (Patterson 5, Butler 3). Steals: 8 (Easterling 4). Blocker shots: Patterson 3.

PORTSMOUTH CLAY – 7 8 14 6 – 35: Katie Hemphill 4 3-5 11, Ashley Ellis 1 0-2 2, Randi Summers 3 0-3 6, Carrie Caseman 0 2-6 2, Emily Broughton 2 2 0-0 10, Alisha Gearhart 1 0 0-0 2, Jeanette Bauer 0 2-2 2. Totals: 11 2 7-18 35. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.