Single digit defense fuels Spartans hoops win

St. Johns Country Day’s Taliah Scott, Mary Kate Kent and Kendall Proffitt buried visiting St. Joseph Academy under a barrage of three-pointers as the Spartans advanced to the Class 2A Regional Semifinals with a 64-29 victory on February 9. St. Joseph Academy was held to under 10 points per quarter; 8, 9, 8, 4, by the Lady Spartan defense.

Scott nailed six treys while Kent and Proffitt made three apiece as SJCD shot a sizzling 48.1 percent from beyond the arc. The Spartans made 13 three-point field goals, more than the twelve two-point baskets they converted. SJCD hoisted up 27 shots from long distance in the game.

“I would not say we rely on the three-pointer, but we tell the girls if they have open looks to take the shot,” explained SJCD head coach Yolanda Bronston.”I have got three girls who can shoot the leather off of the ball.”

With Scott directing the offense from the point, Kent and Proffitt on the wings, Juliet Moody at the free throw line and Semaj Williams running the baseline, the Spartans moved the ball to whoever the Flashes left open. Scott led all scorers with 24 points, Kent finished with 14, and Proffitt, a seventh-grader, added 11. Williams chipped in with nine.

“Having three great shooters allows us to spread the defense,” said Bronston. “Everybody wants to focus on Taliah [an Arkansas commitment], but that makes the defense play honest.”

Source: Clay Today Sports - Randy Lefko