Amanda Kearney led the Branson Lady Pirates to a 53-30 victory over the West Plains Lady Zizzers Friday night, scoring 20 points and leading all scorers.
Branson head coach Kip Bough said he had worried about the road game and the Lady Zizzers’ strong match-up zone, but was pleased with his team’s performance. “It is always nice when you come out with a victory, but for our kids to play the way they did, I’m very happy,” he said.
Branson got off to a hot start, leading 10-0 halfway into the first quarter. The Lady Pirates led by 18 at the half, and never relinquished their early lead.
In addition to Amanda Kearney’s 20 points, which included four three-pointers, Ashley Forrest added 10 points, and Terra Utz-Depriest put up 12 points for the Lady Pirates.
“I think Amanda, Ashley, and Terra each had a good night,” said Coach Bough. “I think our defense played very well, and Lauren (Garrison) played well on the back side. Terra coming in and adding some inside stuff – anytime you can get some baskets inside against the zone, it can be a little demoralizing. We’ve got some shooters, we’ve got some players, but we’re really focusing on the team.”
Coach Bough said the team is meeting goals by improving every day. “We have gotten better since Tuesday when we last played,” he added.
The Lady Zizzers struggled with scoring from the start of the contest. “The difference in the game was our inability to make shots, which contributed to us getting off to a slow start and getting down early in the game,” said Lady Zizzers head Coach Scott Womack. “It is hard to come back against a team like Branson when you start off the way we did.”
Elle Williams scored 12 for West Plains. Lily Harris added 9 points, Payton Richards had 7, and Camryn Johnson, 2.
The Lady Pirates move to 11-2 on the season, and the Lady Zizzers drop to 9-4.
