Junction City carried a shorthanded Lady Dragons’ basketball team to Fordyce Saturday afternoon to compete in the third place game of the FBT Tournament against Lake Village.
The game completed a brutal stretch of four games in five days, including three games in three days.
“We’re tired but we hope it’ll help us during conference season,” said Coach Henry Harrell.
The Lady Dragons beat DeWitt in Fordyce on Tuesday, lost to Hamburg on Thursday and beat Smackover on Friday. Against the Lady Bucks, Junction City opened up a 17-4 lead in the first quarter. The wheels came off in the second half, however, as the Lady Dragons scored a total of seven points and held on for a 35-31 win.
Senior Allie Thurmon didn’t play against Smackover or Lake Village after suffering a sprained ankle. Harrell said she could be out 2-to-3 weeks.
Other players stepped up in Thurmon’s absence and must continue to do so.
“When she went out we were bringing Karla Castillo off the bench. We inserted her into the starting lineup and she’s really taken on that role. The last two ball games, she’s played good for us,” said Harrell. “I think that’s going to help her when (Thurmon) comes back. Coming off the bench, she’ll have more experience on what to do and what not to do. She has stepped up and played real big for us.”
Bria Watson, another sophomore, has led the team in scoring the last two games.
“She had a good game (Friday). (Thursday) she led us in scoring. She’s improving. I think every game she’s improving,” Harrell said. “We expect big things from her. I think she’s our best outside shooter. I’m proud of the effort she gave (Friday). Hopefully she can keep it going.”
The Lady Dragons carried a 5-5 record to Fordyce on Saturday. Their win total has already eclipsed their record of a season ago.
“It’s a big deal. We talked about being better than we were last year so they’re stepping up and trying to do the things we’ve asked them to do,” said Harrell. “Hopefully we’ll make a better showing in conference than we did last year as well.”
Junction City will open conference play at Ouachita on Tuesday.