Ralston steps up for Viqueens

Community point guard Leslie Murphy elevates for two of her eight points against Boyd Christian. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

The Community Viqueens have a deep pool of young talent aligning their bench on game nights who are just aching to show coach Allison Layne what they can do on the floor given the chance.

That time has now come a lot quicker for somebody as the Purple and Gold learned shortly before Friday's game against Boyd Christian that junior point guard Carly Daffern will be lost for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury.

Daffern joins fellow All -District performer Jessica Thompson on the sidelines and leaves some big shoes for their teammates to try and fill.

Freshman Georgia Ralston threw her hat into the ring in a big way as she took full advantage of her first extended varsity playing time by posting an impressive double-double in the Viqueens' 60-26 District 9-A win.

"We have been battling little nagging injuries all season," Layne said. "Losing Jessie five or six weeks ago was a big blow to our team. Now with Carly out too, we will be looking for some of our younger players to step up and help us out.

"We had the chance to play our bench for most of the game tonight and I was really pleased with the play of each of them. Georgia not only showed that she has some game offensively, but I was impressed at how well she rebounded the ball as well."

Community scored the first 22 points behind sophomore Kassidy Lane's 10 points, while their pressure defense was proving to be more than the Lady Broncos could handle as they were shut out of the scoring column in the first quarter.

The home team continued to roll on offense, loading up the scoreboard for a 30-5 advantage as they continued to hound Boyd ball handlers into turnovers that resulted in high percentage shots on the other end.

Seven Viqueens scored in the third quarter for a 47-15 lead.

The fourth quarter belonged to Ralston as she lit up the scoreboard for 10 points.

Viqueen Georgia Ralston tangles with Lady Bronco Sarah Buckner for a loose ball in District 9-A action Friday night in Unionville. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Ralston's 15 tallies led the Viqueens along with 11 rebounds, the second highest total of the season for her squad. Lane pitched in with 12 points in limited playing time.

Kelcey Tate led the Lady Broncos with nine points and Katie Sain added eight.

Community continues district play on Tuesday night as they welcome Eagleville at 6.

"It was nice to get a win, and always nice to get a district win," Layne said. "We have a tough stretch of games coming up and we will have to grow up in a real big hurry if we want to play our way into the tournament minus two starters.

"I'm confident that the girls are up to the challenge."