Lakewood’s JV Lady Leopards edged Whiteville on the road Wednesday night 38-37; the varsity girls had a little easier time, defeating the home team 55-34.

An elated coach Lofton Kerr praised the play of both is squads, saying they played with intensity and hunger, wanting the wins.

JV girls

Strong fourth-quarter play gave the JV girls the edge they needed to put them on top of Whiteville.

Kerr said the key was when his team started playing what he called “organized basketball.” “We slowed it down some in the fourth quarter and started playing our game. When we did that, things started working for us.”

Whiteville jumped out to an early 7-4 first quarter lead and held on to it through the second frame, going into the half up 19-13.

The home team improved their score in the third, ahead 30-24, but Lakewood’s JV was slowly cutting into the lead. Then, in the fourth quarter, the young Leps found their footing, taking the lead and the 1-point lead.

“It was a good win for us,” Kerr stressed.

Justina Henry led Lakewood’s scoring with 9 points. Brianna Evans had 8; Aja Stevens, 5; Kiera Henry, 4; and Chanel McLellan, 6.

The JV’s record improves to 2-1. They play again Tuesday against Wallace-Rose Hill.

Varisty

The Lady Leopards had an easier time against Whiteville knocking down six 3-pointers and getting a sound 55-34 win.

Lakewood led the entire game, opening up with a 22-9 first quarter lead and maintaining a strong showing throughout the second period, heading into the half up 35-15.

Strong shooting and hustle defense kept Lakewood ahead in the third 51-22 and eventually led to the win.

“We possessed the ball real good,” Kerr said. “We made plays like we should. Our shooting game was pretty good, too. I was pleased, overall, with the performance.”

The team, he said, was still working on free throws, the one glitch in their game right now.

“There’s always room for improvement,” the coach stressed.

Jache Servance led all scorers with 13; Brittany Boykin had 11; Bianca Moore, 9; Jakyrn Braxton, 6; Tasha Rich, 5; Tiesha Rich, 5; Kiera rich, 4; and Rasheeda Parker, 2.

Lakewood’s girls move to 6-0. They travel Tuesday to Wallace for a game against the Lady Bulldogs.