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By Brian Smith

The Valley girls basketball team punished visiting Beauregard with a tremendous defensive effort that led to numerous turnovers and easy baskets. The Lady Rams dominated from start to finish to win 45 to 27. It was a collective defensive effort.

Whether it was Kyra Williams or Zorriah Simpson stealing a pass, or it was Mascasha Tucker blocking a shot near the rim, the Lady Rams physically overmatched the Hornets. Valley went into the second quarter up 10 to 3 and that’s when a run permanently changed the basketball game.

The first time Valley extended its lead to double digits happened when Kayden Dooley knocked in a 3-point shot with 6:40 to play in the first half, as the Lady Rams went up 13-3. A few moments later, Tucker scored in the post. Williams scored off the press with a steal and layup. Just like that, Valley led 19-5 with 5:05 to play in the first half.

Even though Valley’s offense went stone-cold the rest of the half, the defense only allowed four more points. Leading 19-9 at intermission, Dooley’s efforts took over the second half.

Dooley scored 9 points by penetrating into the lane and scoring or being fouled, plus she connected on another 3-point shot. Each time Valley put the ball in the bucket, the press hindered Beauregard’s efforts to gain any sort of offensive rhythm.

When Dooley found Simpson in the left corner for a 3-ball it made the score 29 to 9 with 3:30 to play in the third. A few moments later, Dooley was the recipient of a good pass from a backdoor cut and the Lady Rams went up 32 to 9. Even as the third quarter came to a close, the relentless nature of Valley’s defense made it hard for Beauregard to get good shots at the basket.

As a fitting moment early in the fourth period, Dooley stole the basketball and raced for a layup to once again provide the Lady Rams with a 20-point lead. Her evening ended shortly thereafter, with her scoring 19 points and Valley in total command of the scoreboard.

In addition to Dooley’s offensive efforts, Tucker scored 8, Patrick and Simpson scored 5, Williams and Jamiah Johnson scored 3, and Nevaeh Huguley scored 2.