Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

LATHAM — First, the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings broke Western’s defense, then they broke their hearts.

The Lady Vikings adjusted to the Lady Indians’ defense as they posted a 47-42 Southern Ohio Conference win on Thursday.

“We did a good job when Western went to a zone of breaking it down,” said Lady Vikings’ coach Brandon Walker.

“We started off slow and played slow in stretches, but hats off to (coach) Darren (Lightle). He’s got those kids playing well. We’re happy to get the win.”

Gracie Waddell scored a career-high 18 points to lead the Lady Vikings (4-2, 4-2). Kalli Hunt added 7 points and Megan Johnson scored 6.

“Waddell played consistent for us tonight and I thought we did a nice job defensively on their big girls,” said Walker.

Brittany Reader and Chrissy Woods scored 13 points each for Western (3-3, 3-2).

Waddell had 6 points in the first quarter to help the Lady Vikings take a 13-11 lead.

The lead was 21-18 at the half and then Waddell scored 6 more points in the third quarter to push the spread to 38-33. Reader and Woods combined for 11 of Western’s 15 points in the quarter.

Waddell had 4 points and Kalli Hunt made two foul shots in the fourth quarter as the Lady Vikings held on.

Symmes Valley plays in the Wellston Classic on Saturday.

Sym. Valley 13 8 17 9 = 47

Western 11 7 15 9 = 42

SYMMES VALLEY (4-2, 4-2): Malenna Davis 0 0 0-0 0, Merranda Hayes 1 0 1-2 3, Breanna Brumfield 1 0 2-2 4, Gracie Waddell 8 0 2-4 18, Elly Fulks 0 0 0-0 0, Kayla Hayes 0 0 0-0 0, Kalli Hunt 2 0 3-4 7, Megan Johnson 3 0 0-0 6, Sarah Crabtree 0 0 0-0 0, Hannah Maynard 1 0 0-0 2, Kaitlyn Payne 2 0 1-5 5, Taylor Michael 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 19 0 9-17 47. Fouls: 8. Fouled out: None.

WESTERN (3-3, 3-2): Haley Knauff 0 0 0-0 0, Erin Brewster 2 0 0-0 4, Abby Montgomery 1 0 0-0 2, Caitlyn Rhodes 0 0 0-0 0, Brittany Reader 5 1 0-0 13, Lexi Coulson 3 0 1-2 7, Chrissy Woods 6 0 1-2 13, Liz Jackson 0 1 0-0 3. Totals: 17 2 2-4 42. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.