Westwood’s Kaylah Cohen (23) flies through the lane against Dreher Saturday. (Photo/Ross Burton)
BLYTHEWOOD – Westwood head coach Cristeen Haygood knew her Region IV opponent Saturday was good, that her Lady Redhawks would have their work cut out for them. The Lady Blue Devils of Dreher showed just how good they are, scorching Westwood 51-33.
“They have two great players,” Haygood said. “Kaydra Duckett, who is going to Carolina next year, and Makayla Johnson, who is going to Clemson. Both girls are on scholarships. They have size over us. Even if we can keep the big girls out of the paint, we still have to worry about Duckett on the outside.
“They have talent on their team,” Haygood added. “Three big girls inside. We hope to counter that by keeping them out of the paint. Then there’s Duckett, who is an exceptional jump shooter and driver to the basket. She knows how to look inside to the big girls. We have Kayla Atkins on the inside. We’ll try to get ball inside to her. I hope our guards to step up tonight. We have some things in the works.”
The Lady ‘Hawks played Dreher even in the first period, with Duckett hitting a late three-pointer to give the first–period lead to Dreher, 9-6. In the second period, however, the Lady Devils poured it on, very nearly shutting Westwood out completely. Kaylah Cohen made the only Redhawk basket of the period, while five blue Devils got on the scoreboard for 18 points.
The third period was a little better for Westwood, as they put forth a good effort to make up for the prior period, but it was too late. In the final period, Westwood actually outscored the Lady Blue Devils, but Dreher had retired some of their best players by that time.
Cohen of Westwood was the game’s high scorer, hitting five baskets, including a three-point shot. Johnson was high scorer for Dreher with 12 points.
Westwood hosts the Camden Lady Bulldogs tonight at 6 p.m. The Lady Redhawks hope to avenge a 59-36 loss from earlier in the season.
