Freshman leads Viqueen 2nd half surge

Community freshman Megan Smith goes up for two over Webb's Natalie Johnson. Smith finished with 21 points. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Community freshman Megan Smith scored 21 points to outduel Webb junior Elizabeth Lawrence's 19 and lead the Viqueens past the upset-minded Lady Feet 57-40 in Unionville Tuesday night.

The final score does not give a true indicator of just how closely contested this game was until the waning minutes.

Both squads traded baskets at an even pace early, finishing the first period in a 13-all tie.

Smith, Kelli Donovan, Michaela Jones, Katie Leverette and Megan Busbee scored a basket apiece in the second frame as the home team led 23-20 at the break.

"We got off to a little bit of a slow start," Community coach Allison Layne said. "There were a lot of distractions to go along with first-game jitters but give the kids from Webb credit. They came ready to play and they have some very good players. They were prepared and they played very well tonight."

Webb's Elizabeth Lawrence, left, crouches down to try to wrestle a loose ball away from Viqueen Courtney Vassar. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Both teams lit up the scoreboard for 17 points after intermission with Lawrence putting 12 in the book for Webb and Smith notching eight for the Viqueens (3-1), aided by a long 3-pointer by Aubrey Boyce. The quarter concluded in a 40-37 Community lead.

"We were able to make some adjustments in the final quarter that started to get us the desired results," Layne said. "When we did get our hands on the ball we were able to score some points and our defense took over from there."

Webb appeared to lose some stamina in the final frame and was held to just three points in the closing minutes. Community matched its third period total of 17 points (seven by Smith) to account for the final tally.

"Webb is a much-improved team over last year," Layne said. "They have done a nice job with their program and this group is talented. We feel very fortunate that we were able to get out of here with a win tonight."

Webb placed seven players in the scoring column. Smith was the high scorer with Viqueen senior Megan Busbee also in double figures with 10 points.

Community hit 8-of-15 from the charity stripe. Webb connected on 6-of-8 from the line.

Lawrence had four 3-pointers for the Lady Feet.