Vikings Fight Past The Rams
The Kinston High Lady Vikings notched their 26th consecutive win over Greene Central 42-33. Saniya White-Wooten led the charge, dropping 15 points all from three-point land.
The Vikings set the tone early, surging to a commanding 10-3 lead. White-Wooten, in a performance that can only be described as stellar, led all scorers with 15 points, including a remarkable 5 three-pointers. Freshman sensation America Lloyd also made a significant impact, contributing 11 points, despite some struggles at the free-throw line in the opening quarter.
On the other side, the Rams showcased their resilience. AnNysha Wooten, with a commendable 14 points, led the charge, supported by Azaria Mumford and Janiyah Sutton, who added 9 and 7 points, respectively. This trio was the heartbeat of the Rams’ offense, scoring 30 of their 33 points.
After overcoming initial jitters, the Rams matched the Vikings stride for stride, with the game remaining evenly poised. The Vikings, however, managed to maintain their slender lead, outscoring the Rams 32-30 in the final three quarters.
Coach Chris Bradshaw’s remarks post-game reflected a blend of relief and optimism. “The first win of the season is always good to get under the belt,” he noted, acknowledging the importance of this victory in setting the tone for the season.
He also highlighted the performance of his freshmen, Nashayla Mason and Lloyd, stating, “Right now, they are starters. Middle school is over. It is time to play big girl basketball and I think they have done a great job producing,” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw’s praise for Wooten was unequivocal: “Wooten can score at any point on the floor. She’s got something to prove, and I have seen it in the last couple of games.” This acknowledgment from the coach speaks volumes about Wooten’s abilities and her crucial role in the team’s dynamics.
Finally, Coach Bradshaw summed up the team’s performance: “We hit a lot of good shots, we are protecting the ball better. They played really impressive.” This statement not only highlights the team’s offensive prowess but also their growing maturity in handling the ball and controlling the game’s tempo.
Greene Central will look to try to get their first win against Eastern Wayne tomorrow. Kinston will play Jacksonville on Thursday at home.