By Whitney Metz –
The Northampton Lady Yellow Jackets faced off against the Arcadia Firebirds in Oak Hall on Tuesday night. Both teams came in looking to record their first win of the season. Arcadia started the game utilizing a full-court press on defense and offensively driving to the basket, dominating in the paint. The Firebirds quickly established the lead in the first quarter with a score of 15-1. During the second quarter the Lady Yellow Jackets were able to wake up on offense, while a few of Arcadia’s key players went into foul trouble early in the game. This only slowed the Firebirds’ offense slightly, as they went into the half with a lead of 24-8.
Northampton came out after the half with a full-court press defense in an attempt to challenge Arcadia’s ability to set up in the paint. The Firebirds were not phased by this change in defense during the third quarter and continued to add to their lead, 36-17.
The Yellow Jackets stuck with the full-court press in the fourth quarter, which started to pressure Firebirds’ ability to get the ball into playmakers’ hands. Northampton successfully slowed Arcadia’s offense enough to double the Yellow Jackets’ points in the final quarter of the game. The Yellow Jackets last quarter attempt to come back was not enough to take down the dynamic Firebird team. Arcadia defeated Northampton with a final score of 46-34. Firebirds’ coach Cordrey stated after the game that this first victory was a special one for the team.
Key players from the Firebirds include Miniya Cropper, who recorded 18 points on the night and Bella Williams with 17 points. From Northampton, Jayden Jenkins led her team with 7 points. Both teams are scheduled to play again on Thursday, Jan. 28. Arcadia will be taking on district rival, Nandua, at home, while Northampton is set to play in Eastville against Chincoteague.
