With emotions running high leading up to a key matchup for River Ridge and Sequoyah in both team’s pursuit of the Region 6-6A title, The Lady Knights faced the pressure and dominated Sequoyah 58-30 on Monday evening. Despite a slow start for both teams leading to Sequoyah being in front 8-4 with only three minutes left in the first quarter, River Ridge was able to pick itself up and go on an impressive 19-0 run that stretched deep into the second quarter. With impressive interior defense anchored by senior forward Allie Sweet transitioning into multiple deep three-pointers from junior forward Kayla Cleaveland, the Lady Knights surged ahead, where they remained for the rest of the contest.
After the game, head coach Jason Taylor commented on the run, stating that he, “lets the girls play with momentum,” and wants them to be “strong with the ball.” Coach Taylor also explained the implications of big games such as this one on their schedule. “Staying consistent, competing hard, and playing tough competition has contributed to our winning culture.”
A key point in the Lady Knights’ defensive plan was to limit Sequoyah’s dominant Milanni Abdus-Salaam, which despite the center’s productive season, they were able to do so, holding her to an uncharacteristic zero-point game. The Lady Knights’ ability to turn their defense into offense was highlighted by their star point guard, junior Sophia Pearl, who commented on their transition game by explaining “once you get into the groove, it becomes smoother, easier.” River Ridge’s ability to slow down and control the game was impressive, as the Lady Knights were able to effectively move the ball around Sequoyah’s defense and find open looks from all over the court. River Ridge’s cool demeaner allowed the Lady Knights to fend off an 11-2 run from Sequoyah deep in the third quarter and still win the game in a comfortable fashion.
Lady Knights defeat Sequoyah 58-30 in a make-up from last Tuesday@kkcleav41 14pts 10reb 4ast@SophiaPearl2025 13pts 3reb 4ast@FinHoops_0 9pts 6reb@AllieSweet05 8pts 16reb 5stl@kylacantey3 6pts 3ast@MakRob14 5pts 5ast 4reb@1WhitleyColeman 2pts@MixonAris 1pt@KyleSandy355
— River Ridge Girls Basketball (@rrknightsgbb) January 23, 2024
This River Ridge team plays with discipline well beyond its years and has become a close-knit group. The team’s connection was put into words by Pearl, who explained that she attributes the love the girls have for each other to connecting off the court. She stated, “traveling and taking flights with the team are my favorite memories with my teammates,” an idea that was expanded on by Pearl, as when asked if she could describe River Ridge’s girls’ basketball team in one word, she chose “family.”
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