NEW MADISON – The Houston Lady Wildcats were the unfortunate recipients of what may have been the best performance by a Lady Patriot basketball team in the Coach Brad Gray era Monday night as Tri-Village blitzed the Lady Wildcats 84-22 in non-league action.
“Not sure I’ve ever had a team click the way this one did tonight,” Lady Patriot coach Brad Gray said. “That’s saying a lot with some of the teams we’ve had. The way we played tonight was really lights out. It really left me speechless as a coach.”
The Tri-Village defense was overpowering to begin the game. The Patriots held Houston scoreless for over four minutes of the contest while jumping out to an 18-0 lead. The Lady Patriots were getting good looks from their offensive sets and getting easy transition opportunities fueled by their full-court pressure.
“Pressure was a good as it’s been this year,” Coach Gray said. “Definitely created a lot of offense with our defense, which is what we like to do. Our defense was outstanding.”
All five starters would score in the first quarter as Tri-Village pushed out to a 25-4 lead after eight minutes.
The second period saw the onslaught continue. The Lady Patriots would put 21 points on the scoreboard while permitting just three to be added against them. Trisa Porter, Allie Downing and Danika Mann combining for 33 of the total 46 as Tri-Village led 46-7 at the half.
The Lady Patriot dominance continued during the second half. With the game under control Lady Patriot fans got glimpses of the future by the play of a promising freshman class.
“Lot of kids are trying to make me look bad for not playing them …” Gray said. “Porter, Lissa Siler, Andi Bietry and Maddie Downing are a real good freshman class. We’re looking forward to them.”
Allie Downing led Tri-Village with 22 and Danika Mann adding 21. The Lady Patriots are now 6-0 on the season and return to conference play Thursday when they host Newton.
