By Sedrick Bolton III December 6, 2022
HAMPTON Lady Wildcats junior Bryanna Preston (23 points) and senior La'Nya Foster (22 points) took over to get the regional win over Jonesboro and improve to 5-2.
After a slow first quarter from both teams, Preston scored 12 of her 23 points in the second period. She played more aggressive, pushing the ball in transition or driving through the lane in the half-court set.
"After the first quarter I just thought to myself, 'Next quarter the score reset'," said Preston. "Just attack, get in the paint more, find my teammates, and run it up."
Lovejoy led 38-18 at halftime.
With Preston running the first half of play, the second half belonged to Foster. Although she had a quiet third quarter, she came up big in the fourth.
From having nine points in the first half, she scored all 13 in the fourth quarter to close out the game. After a layup and mid-range shot, Foster tried her luck from 3 to get a quick seven points. Foster continued testing her hot hand shooting around the perimeter as Lovejoy gets their third straight win.
Foster and Preston's performance is vital for the Lady Wildcats to win games. They face the task of being the ones to set the tempo and command this team.
"To be the vocal leaders, to be the defensive leaders, to be the offensive leaders, every position on that team they have to lead," said Lovejoy's Head Coach Cedric King on what were Foster and Preston's job on the team. "Not to be leading scorers, not to be leading rebounders, they have to lead. That's what they're challenged with every game, to do that."
Per ESPN 2024 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings, Preston is ranked No. 44 in the nation. Foster is ranked No.4 small forward in Georgia per Sandysspiel.com.
The Lady Wildcats are on the road as they take on regional opponents Woodward Academy December 9.
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