Lady Tigers record statement win at home versus Vanguard

Dunnellon’s Kmari Williams (1) breaks away from Vanguard’s Makiya Mitchell (2) and Kate Bass (15) on her way to the basket during a basketball game at Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon, Fla. on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted December 6, 2021 | By Joel Bronson
joel@ocalagazette.com

In an early season match-up between two of Marion County’s strongest girls’ basketball programs, Dunnellon relied on dominant rebounding and fast break opportunities to upend Vanguard 58-43 on Monday night.

Sophomore guard Alecia Larry led the way for the Lady Tigers with 24 points and 4 rebounds. Many of Larry’s points came on fast break opportunities.

Dunnellon was also anchored by the hard work of junior forward Jada Hayes, who pulled down 14 rebounds in the win.

Dunnellon head coach Chris Thompson praised his team for the effort in the victory.

“This was a statement game tonight,” Thompson said. “This game let teams know Dunnellon is a force this year with lots of new talent.”

Junior guard Kmari Williams scored 12 and nabbed 6 steals for the Lady Tigers.

Dunnellon held a 26-18 halftime lead, but a 12-6 run to start the second half found that lead cut to two with 4:32 left in the third quarter.

The Lady Tigers then went on a 7-0 run to push the lead to 9 points, a lead they would never relinquish.

Junior guard Jyla Gunsby scored 8 points and registered 5 assists for the Lady Knights. Gunsby blocked three shots in the loss.

Senior guard Jadah Kingcade led Vanguard with 18 points while logging 4 steals.

Vanguard head coach Terrance Lewis felt that his team lacked determination in the loss.

“We were very flat tonight, and just got out-hustled,” Lewis said. “This loss is on me, we will be prepared to play in the future.”

Lady Knights senior guard Rain Smith chalked up 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the losing squad.

With the win, Dunnellon moves to 6-0 on the season. The Lady Tigers host Lecanto on Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

Vanguard moves to 3-3 after the loss and will host Lake Weir on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.