Tracey Walker admits most of the time spent in practice early this season has been grinding on the defensive end for her Boyd Buchanan girls’ basketball team.
In Tuesday’s 55-31 road win over GPS, the Lady Buccaneers put together their most impressive four quarters of play this season — and it started on the defensive end.
Senior Riley Robertson was a force at the top of the press for Walker’s squad as she deflected several passes, and those that did make it into the post were met with even more pressure. Eva Winston had six steals, too, which often led to run outs down the court.
“Part of our defensive success comes from our quickness,” Walker said. “We know to be on the help line and backside, looking for the lobs. If a post gets it, we choke and take up real estate so they can’t make a move. We continue to work on that in practice a lot — and recovering back to our man. Tonight our girls did a great job of that.”
Boyd Buchanan (5-3) has not taken the easy route into the season as their three losses came by eight points to Hamilton Heights, six points to Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and nine points to McMinn County. The Lady Bucs also beat Hamilton Heights by six earlier this season.
Sophomore shooting guard Sarah Peyton Durham stepped back behind the top of the arc with a defender on her to hit a quick-release 3-pointer to end an early 7-2 run to start the game. Durham also scored on a fastbreak layup to end the first quarter for a 15-11 Boyd Buchanan lead.
“We have senior Dani Reeves back, who is a great driver and can shoot, and it has been nice to see Sarah improve greatly in her attack off the drive,” Walker said. “Because Sarah is a fabulous shooter, her ability to hit the long-range shot and her confidence to take the ball to the hoop has really made her game come along nicely.”
Boyd freshman Lesley Burton stood out in the post as she tied GPS fellow first-year standout Farrah House with a game-high 12 points. Burton was followed by Reeves (11 points) and Jada Sanders (10 points), as each made two 3-pointers. Robertson also added eight points and as many rebounds.
“I am pleased with how my girls are playing right now,” Walker said. “We put four solid quarters together today and our girls are all figuring out there roles. Lesley had the best game she has had for us so far this season. She can play with these kids. I am proud of her. This was a good game for her and all of our girls.”
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com