January 24, 2005
 
Lady Bobcats Beat Winfield Lady Generals 57-54 at Winfield
 
by Brian Boyle
Huntington News Network Writer
 
Winfield (HNN) — It’s always a good sign when a team can travel to an opponent’s gym and get the win. Summers County’s Lady Bobcats did that last Tuesday evening, Jan. 18, 2005 when they made the trip to play last year’s Double AA State Champion, the Winfield Generals. The final score of the game was 57 to 54.
 
As the game got underway, Summers County got out to an early lead with buckets from Sierra Brown and a pair by Katana Mullen. However Winfield came right back at the Bobcats with two 3-point nets and by the end of the first period they led the Bobcats by a score of 14 to 12. It was apparent that it was going to be a competitive game.
 
The Generals use a high-pressure press in a similar style to the Bobcat trademark in your face defense. The Lady Bobcat’s game is synonymous with the pressure defense. They have employed it for years in their successful basketball program. This is one game that was played all over the floor.
 
In the second quarter Sierra Brown had a hot hand. She scored near the basket and then hit a nice jumper to confound the General’s defense. Jenni Wynes executed some drives to the hoop that resulted in her drawing some fouls and getting to the line. She was 4 for 4 from the foul stripe in the first half.
 
Winfield really pressured the Bobcat guards, Sarah Blevins and Jenni Wynes. In addition they were dominating the backboards in the first half as well. However good teams adjust and Summers County found some ways to break the press. By the end of the first half, Summers County led by 29 to 25.
 
In the third quarter Summers County came out hot. They built on the 4-point lead they carried in the locker room by going on a 6-0 run in the first 2 minutes of the third quarter. With the Bobcats leading by 10 Winfield called a time out to regroup. In the remainder of the third quarter the momentum swung back and forth. However the Generals whittled that 10-point lead down to 8 with the Lady Bobcats leading 44 to 36 as the third quarter concluded.
 
The Lady Bobcats looked as if they were going to breeze to an easy victory but Lady Generals would have none of it. They turned up the pressure and executed some traps. They closed to within 2 points at the half way mark of the fourth quarter. Katana Mullen scored on a pair of offensive boards and converted on a foul. Jenni Wynes and Sierra Brown made key buckets off some drives but Winfield continued to battle back with strong play from their post and forwards.
 
With 2 minutes remaining, Winfield hit an outside shot and they narrowed the lead to 1 point at 55 to 54. In the final 2 minutes both teams turned the ball over. In addition there were two possession changes on jump balls. Summers County kept its composure and converted on 2 out 4 from the foul stripe. The contest ended with a Summers County winning by 57 to 54.
 
Coach Trail commented after the game that it is always good when you travel like this and the team comes away with a W. Particularly when it’s last season’s State Champs that you beat. He also remarked that the girls were hot and cold at times. Coach Ryan was pleased to get the win but as good coaches go he was ready to get them back in the gym for some more work.
 
Sierra Brown led the scoring attack again, connecting on 19, with 5 coming from the line. Jenni Wynes scored 12 in the contest. She was 8 for 9 from the foul stripe. Katana Mullen connected on 9 points and she added 12 rebounds to go with it to lead the Lady Cat rebounding effort. Guards Jenni Wynes (7) and Sarah Blevins (6) pulled in 13 boards.
 
The Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 game with Oak Hill was postponed due to the weather. The Lady Bobcats travel to Westside on Monday, Jan. 24, 2005. They return home to do battle with arch-rival James Monroe on Friday night, Jan. 28, 2005. Game time is 7:30 for the varsity and 5:30 for the JV.