Tyler Harris, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
PORTSMOUTH — Defensive intensity, offensive chemistry and lights out shooting.
CREDIT: Baylee Harris/SOSA
That was the recipe for Fairland to take care of business on Thursday night against Portsmouth.
The Dragons held Portsmouth to a poor shooting percentage and forced 15 turnovers behind a tenacious defense that took on the intense personality of their coach, Jon Buchanan.
“We have a standard of play, regardless of what the scoreboard says and we know that. For this program, this is a 10 or 11-month deal.” Buchanan said. “You only get 22 of these [games] and we want to embrace every chance we get. That is how we coach and, ultimately, how our girls play every night.”
That intensity was key for Fairland (5-0, 4-0 OVC) to jump out to a 20-5 lead at the end of one quarter, after forcing six Trojan turnovers. And, while the turnovers created extra possessions, it was the team chemistry that created a plethora of open shots in the fast break offense — allowing the Dragons to put the pedal to the metal early.
As halftime approached, the Trojans (4-1, 2-1 OVC) put together some quality offensive possessions, resulting in 18 second quarter points. But it was no match for Fairland’s 26-point explosion — led by Kylee Bruce, who had 16 in the first half alone.
That offensive outburst extended Fairland’s lead to 46-23 at halftime as six different players had graced the scoring sheet.
“We realize that we have a lot of girls that could go other places and probably be close to, if not the leading, scorers at those schools.” Buchanan said. “But with this group, we don’t have to question if they’re being selfish because they want to play together. They sacrifice for the greater good of the team.”
The third quarter was about the bench play of freshman Addison Godby, who showed her skill and versatility throughout the contest. While she didn’t score, she did rack up three assists and five rebounds to help her team add another 26 points to the lofty total, creating a 72-33 cushion.
“We know what she’s capable of,” Buchanan said of Godby. “She can play [positions] one through five and is a pass-first player. She gives us so much versatility coming off the bench.”
The Dragons knocked down 13 shots from deep, and 34 shots in total, to run away with the victory.
“We want to play fast and have a bunch of possessions,” Buchanan said. “We know we will play good defense and with so many willing scorers, it just makes it easier.”
Statistically, Fairland was led by Bree Allen, who finished with 20 points — including a trio of 3-point field goals — and three rebounds.
Allen was followed by Bruce, who had 19 points to go alongside five assists and four boards. Tomi Hinkle had 12 points and a team-high six assists and Kamryn Barnitz tallied 14 points. Isa Talliaferro had 12 of her own and Godby did everything, finishing with four points, nine boards and four assists.
Portsmouth was led by KK Mays’ 13 points while Daysha Reid chipped in with 12 points and three assists. Savannah Cantrell also helped out, adding nine points and four rebounds.
Fairland is back in action on Saturday against Beverly Fort Frye at Alexander High School. Meanwhile, the Trojans look to get back in the win column on Monday at Rock Hill.
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