Kelly wins big over Charleston in midday matchup

BENTON, Mo. — The Kelly girls’ basketball team rode a fast start to a lopsided win over Charleston during a midday matchup between the Scott-Mississippi Conferences foes.

The Lady Hawks (8-10) won 64-40 over the Lady Bluejays (2-16). However, Kelly led 43-13 at halftime before taking their foot off the gas in the second half.

“Something I have been telling the girls lately is to let our defense create our offense,” said Kelly coach Matthew Blissett. “We had a slow start offensively but we did a good job containing on the defensive end holding them to 13 in the first half. The biggest key was to keep them out of the paint on defense rebound and push the ball in transition. When we're playing at that pace we're at our best.”

Charleston's Ahkeelah Venson (22) and Kelly's Tabby Whaley (33) battle for rebounding position on Monday, Feb. 6. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Kelly extended its lead to 20 points with four minutes and 55 seconds left in the second quarter after Kristen Grogan assisted Aleya King on a 3-pointers. The Lady Hawks increased the lead to 30 points seconds before the halftime buzzer after Grogan knocked down a shot at the charity stripe.

“The midday experience is amazing for the girls,” Blissett said. “The season can get long, so it gives them something to look forward to.”

Charleston's Treasure Kimble (14) and Kelly's Kayleigh Homan (23) battle for possession on Monday, Feb. 6. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Grogan did a great job of running and igniting the team’s offense, finishing with a team-high 14. Jada Griggs added 13.

Ahkeelah Venson led The Lady Bluejays and finished with a game-high 22.

Kelly's Aleya King (5) shoots a 3-pointer during a 64-40 win over Charleston on Monday, Feb. 6. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Charleston will travel to Chaffee (14-7) on Wednesday and host Portageville (16-5) on Friday.

Kelly hosts Sikeston (4-15) on Tuesday and New Madrid County Central (2-15) on Thursday.

“Sikeston is well coached and they have been competing with some tough teams this year despite having a young roster,” Blissett said. “They have some really good young guards and great athletes all around. I know tonight will be a fast pace battle between both squads which makes for a fun game to watch, and I’ll enjoy this friendly matchup against my cousin, Sikeston head coach Vaughn Shephard.”

Kelly's Jada Griggs (42) goes up for a layup during a 64-40 win over Charleston on Monday, Feb. 6. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

__KELLY 64, CHARLESTON 40__

Charleston 6 7 17 10 — 40

Kelly 19 24 15 5 — 64

__Charleston (40) —__ Ahkeelah Venson 22, Daniyah Thomas 7, Claire Nichols 5, Gabriell White 3, Kylianne Johnson 3. FG: 17. FT: 5-23. F: 16. (3-pointers: Johnson 1. Fouled out: none.)

__Kelly (64) —__ Kristen Grogan 14, Jada Griggs 13, Brooke Dirnberger 9, Kayleigh Holman 6, Jenna Essner 6, Lola Pattengill 6, Aleya King 5, Macy Burger 2, Leah Silman 2, Tabby Whaley 1. FG: 25. FT: 11-19. F: 17. (3-pointers: Holman 1, Dirnberger 1, King 1. Fouled out: none.)