Last updated on March 9, 2019
By Jim Hayes
Sophomore guards Shalaya Armstead and Aliyah Miller combined for 32 points in leading the Volunteer State Community College Lady Pioneers to a 72-64 win over the Motlow State Community College Lady Bucks Jan. 26, at Pickel Fieldhouse.
The win was the second in a row for the Lady Pioneers and avenged a Dec. 1, 85-51 loss at the hands of the second place Lady Bucks.
The win left the Lady Pioneers tied for fourth place in the Tennessee Community College Women’s basketball race with a 4-5 record.
It moved their overall record to 8-8 headed into a two game homestand against Chattanooga State Community College last Friday and Cleveland State Community College last Saturday.
Chattanooga is currently tied with the Lady Pioneers while Cleveland is just one game behind them at 3-6.
“If we win both of those games we give ourselves a chance to get into second place,” said Lady Pioneer head coach Otis Key. “That’s the highest ranking we’ve had in the conference. I think it’s achievable and the kids are really focused on it.”
“They played well from start to finish,” said Key of the victory over Motlow State. “It was one that we had to have. We didn’t play well over at Motlow, they beat us and the kids knew they could beat that team. They came out and played with a lot of focus and passion.”
Miller’s 18 points came on a six of eight night from the field, including both of her three-point attempts. She also made four of her six free throw attempts. She pulled down seven defensive rebounds, two off of the offensive glass and contributed six assists and two steals.
Her backcourt mate, Armstead, made six of 10 field goal attempts and two of four free throws in route to her 14-point night. She added eight defensive and three offensive rebounds on the night.
“We got contributions from all around,” said Key of the win. “Our freshmen continued to play well and we are starting to trust them a lot more. That’s important,” he said. Freshmen accounted for 27 of the Lady Pioneers’ 72 points.
Freshman forward Xavia Williams scored 12 points on five of seven field-goals and two of five free throws. She also contributed six defensive and two offensive rebounds.
Amanda Bennett, freshman guard, chipped in with 11 points off of the bench. She hit her only three-point attempt and sank eight of ten free throws. She also had one offensive and defensive rebound.
Kelsey Harriman scored six points. McKenzie Wallace and TaVaiya Hamilton added four each, and Morgan Sims scored three to round out the Lady Pioneer scoring.
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