Kennett picks up comeback win over East Carter

Tuesday night at Kennett High School featured a potentially great contest between two of the area's best girls' basketball teams as the now 19-4 Lady Indians hosted the 20-4 Lady Redbirds from East Carter County. With a hefty defensive and rebounding effort, Kennett came out on top 76-49.

Going back to 2010, the two teams had split six games evenly with the Redbirds having won the last three matchups. East Carter bested Kennett earlier this season 55-47 in the Lady Royals Christmas Classic, and the Lady Indians looked to end their down streak to the Redbirds.

Kennett coach Erica Cobb stated before the game, “We have to play really good defense and get rebounds. We played them earlier this season and they beat us because of our defense and rebounding.”

Cobb was not to be disappointed.

Kennett's press was ferocious for much of the game, creating turnovers and allowing for steals that resulted in a big win for the Indians. The Lady Indians played well as a whole, but three players dealt the majority of the damage to the Redbirds.

Kennett's E'Marriha Johnson (24) fires off a shot during a game against East Carter Tuesday, Feb. 13.Photo courtesy of Chris Wheeler

Sophomore E'Marriha Johnson led all scorers with 29 points while freshman Alyce Edwards added 25.

And the rebounding Cobb stressed pre-game was dominated by sophomore Tayja Carter who had an impressive 25 for the night, also finishing with a double/double as she added 11 points. Senior Christi Tejeda and junior Anekia Farmer added six and four points, respectively.

Scoring for the Lady Redbirds was led by senior Breanna Dohleman with 24. Senior Dylan Price added 13 and junior Parker Golden and sophomore Katelyn Nichols added eight and two, respectively.

The pre-game expectations of Cobb came to pass with a great team effort. The Indians out-rebounded the Redbirds 45 to 14 and the final score speaks to their impressive defensive effort.