FAIRLEA- Coming off a solid season-opening win at Lincoln County on Tuesday night, the 5th ranked Greenbrier East Lady Spartans knew they had a big game waiting for them on their home floor on Friday, December 6 against Class AAA’s number one ranked team and defending state champions, the Nitro Lady Wildcats.
And for the casual fan watching, they probably would have thought those rankings were reversed.
Greenbrier East (2-0) started the night strong and only got stronger en route to a 53-37 thrashing of the Wildcats.
East got going early and got a big lift from junior Mackenna McClure. McClure scored a couple baskets in the opening quarter and her hustle and tenacity everywhere else on the floor helped East jump out to a 27-22 halftime lead.
But it was the second half where the Spartans truly shined.
They extended their lead on a 16-2 run–including 13-0 just in the third period– that stretched into the fourth quarter and held Nitro without a field goal until there was 5:37 left in the game. The Spartan defense really bothered the Wildcats all night and it eventually took a toll on what will now be the former number one ranked team in Class AAA.
Nitro (0-1) tried to make a run with star Natalie Smith over the next couple of minutes, but East always had an answer to counter the punches, and they celebrated arguably their best regular season win in recent memory.
The Spartans were led by McClure’s all-around effort of 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. She shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the field as well. Kennedy Stewart also had 12 points to go with four assists and four steals. Ava Workman (seven rebounds) and Hannah Fuller put in eight points apiece as did Sandy Banton off the bench. Banton was another that played a versatile game and was a huge key to the Spartans on both ends of the floor.
Smith led Nitro with 21 points.
East also won the rebounding battle 27-23.
After the victory, Greenbrier East will anxiously await where they will jump to in the rankings. Moving up at least two or three spots is likely with the win.
The Spartans will travel to Independence this coming Tuesday night, Dec. 10 to take on the Patriots.
Stats courtesy of Oldies, 93.3.
WVDN player of the game- Mackenna McClure.
