Lady Pioneers Rolling Along After Winning Two
By: Nick Kieser
GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — Following up after a victory on Saturday, Nov. 17 against conference opponent Jackson State (69-63), the Vol State Lady Pioneers continue on the winning side of things picking up a win against Snead State Community College (66-61). On the two-game winning streak, both Coaches Otis Key (head coach) and Tony Thompson (assistant coach) have spoken highly of Lucky Lavender who has come off the bench hot with dropping three-pointers inopportune times. Last night, Lavender dropped 14 points off the bench and proved to be a game changer for the Lady Pioneers. Relying on Lavender for hitting the three-pointers is good considering that hot hand is hitting those shots with ease.
"Threes are my best shot. I believe in those shots more than others. I keep shooting and it's good to see those go in," said Lavender.
Topping off the night in points was stand out player and captain Aliyah Miller. Hitting 19 points for 10 assists, five rebounds, and two steals Miller continues to get division one attention as the season progresses.
"She really swung the momentum of the game. Everyone got confident with their shooting and we got hot and she really helped out," said Miller.
After Lavender hit her third consecutive three late in the game, Key called a timeout and the team surrounded her with chants giving praise to keep her in the grove of making those shots.
Heading up to Wabash Valley College, the Lady Pioneers will continue to look for a win and for heading into the break this week another win today could feel good before heading home to get stuffed on Thanksgiving.
"We need to be smart offensively today. When we know we're up we need to take more shots to stay up in the lead," said Miller.
"The main thing for the three-point shots was that they had open looks; they weren't forced threes. Our decision making was a lot better and I see more now that the players are starting to trust each other more. The freshmen are playing with more confidence and they are playing through their mistakes and now they are making few mistakes," said Key.
Both coaches noted as well that this was a statement win for their team after losing at Snead State back on Nov. 2 (72-60).
"I liked our defensive effort actually. When you look at our freshmen like McKenzie Wallace she gave us eight off the board and then Xavia Williams continues to gobble up rebounds for us. It makes Shay Armstead's job easier on the knees. Then Lavender comes off the bench and steps up in her role which coach and I have been really impressed by," said Thompson.
"She's making smart choices and taking smart shots that it's basically another day in the office for her. As long as she does that confidence will be through the roof and I want her to keep playing and growing to be better," said Key of Lavender.
The next game is today at 5:30 p.m. and for updates on the game follow @VSCCPioneersWBB.
The play-by-play updates will come from @KieserNick.