Fast start propels Lady Cats to win over Anderson County

Louisburg sophomore Delaney Wright races down the floor during a fast break opportunity Friday during the Lady Cats’ home opener against Anderson County.

The Louisburg girls basketball team wanted to make a good impression in its home opener Friday and the Lady Cats got everyone’s attention early.

Louisburg scored the first 10 points of the game – all by junior Megan Foote – and the Lady Cats used that run to pull away for a 47-35 victory over Anderson County. It was also the third straight victory for the Lady Cats as they remained perfect on the year.

“We were excited to be able to come out and play on our home floor, have our home opener on a Friday night,” Louisburg coach Shawn Lowry said. “These three games that we have had to start our schedule have been scrappy and tough and it has been good for us. We are progressing, which has been great. I thought we were better defensively this time around than we were on Tuesday. If we can keep making this progression and keep learning and fixing our mistakes, then I like what this thing can be.”

Foote got the Lady Cats off to their blazing start as she drove to the basket three straight times, including one for a three-point play. She then knocked down a 3-pointer to put Louisburg up 10-0 and the Lady Cats were off and running.

The Lady Cats (3-0) went on to score 16 points in the first quarter and the Louisburg defense held Anderson County to 16 total points in the first half.

“We knew by looking on film that we wanted to get downhill early,” Lowry said. “I told Megan before the game that she needed to be the aggressor with the ball and she took it to heart. It was a great start for us and a great start for her and it was able to get us going.

“I thought our defense was good and our kids are getting tougher. I have challenged them after every game and they are responding. We aren’t there by any means in regards to toughness, but I like where we are going.”

Louisburg forced 34 Anderson County turnovers and the Lady Cats were able to score 22 points off those Bulldog mistakes. The Lady Cats also pulled down 20 offensive rebounds that led to 11 second chance points.

To end the first half, the Lady Cats went on a mini 6-0 run after back-to-back baskets from junior Madilyn Melton. Then sophomore Delaney Wright had a steal and score right before the buzzer to put Louisburg up 31-16 at halftime.

The Lady Cats saw their lead balloon to 17 late in the third quarter and Anderson County would get no closer than 12.

Foote led the Lady Cats in scoring with 12 points, while Melton also finished in double figures with 11 points, seven rebounds and team-high five steals. Senior Haley Cain finished with nine points, six rebounds and four steals.

Junior Alyse Moore had eight points, a team-high 10 rebounds and four steals. Junior Brooklyn Diederich also had four steals in the win.

Louisburg will try and make it four straight wins Tuesday when it hosts Frontenac. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

“It is going to be a challenge on Tuesday with Frontenac,” Lowry said. “They are going to be physical and tough. Our next goal is to be 4-0 and that is what we are shooting for.”

LOU               16           15           11           5 – 47

AC                  10           6             9             10 – 35

LOUISBURG (3-0): Megan Foote 5-9 1-2 12; Madilyn Melton 5-13 1-2 11; Haley Cain 3-8 1-2 9; Alyse Moore 4-12 0-1 8; Delaney Wright 2-8 0-0 4; Brooklyn Diederich 1-15 1-4 3; Sydni Keagle 0-2 1-2 1. Totals: 20-67 5-13 47. 3-point field goals: 3, (Cain 2, Foote 1)

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