WC girls start season 0-2

By Jimmie Earls

Jimmie Earls

Pooh Railey drives between two Taylor County defenders in the Commanderettes’ season opener. Railey had 17 points to lead the Commanderettes in scoring.

Buy this photo

Jimmie Earls

Sarah Godshall pulled down a rebound for the Commanderettes against Taylor County.

Buy this photo

Sun Sports Writer

With back-to-back losses to start the season, the Washington County Commanderettes are off to a shaky start.

The girls opened the season at home hosting Taylor County on Dec. 2.

The Commanderettes got strong outings from Shay Yocum, Pooh Railey and Lizzy Haydon in the first half, although Taylor County had built a 31-24 lead at the break thanks to some strong post play.

“We got out-rebounded,” WC girl’s head coach Bernard Smalley said. “As big as we are, we shouldn’t be out-rebounded by a team that is smaller than us.”

Lizzy Haydon sank a couple three-pointers in the third quarter as the Commanderettes pulled to within three points.

“Lizzy Haydon was a big surprise,” Smalley added. “She’s our best outside shooter. She was off a little in pre-season but she was six for 10 with 15 points.”

It was good, but it wasn’t enough as Taylor County went on to win 61-49 and give WC an 0-1 start to their season.

“I thought our kids played hard,” Smalley said. “We did some good things, but we didn’t shoot the ball well. That surprised me.”

Taylor Co.       19  12  16  14 61

WCHS              9   15  15  10 49

Taylor County (61) - Pollock 20, Wigginton 12, Cox 11, Peake 4, Rucker 5, Thomas 6, Gregory 1, Claywell 2

Three-point goals – Pollock 3, Cox 1

Washington County (49) – Railey 17, Godshall 3, Burton 8, S. Yocum 6, Haydon 15

Three- point goals – Haydon 2, Burton 1

Boyle County

Boyle County’s Karlie Neal was a force to be reckoned with as she was a perfect 9-for-9 from the field, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, totaling 22 points – almost singlehandedly outscoring Washington County, who could only muster 31 points to drop to 0-2 on the season.

Washington County’s Pooh Railey sat out the game with a bruised knee after a collision with a Taylor County player in the previous game.

One bright spot for the Commanderettes was the debut of 6’ 4” sophomore Ange Umalisa from Rwanda, who scored her first career basket against the Lady Rebels.

“She’s come a long way,” Smalley said. “She’s played some JV games, so she’s getting better. She’s a quick learner. I think after Christmas, she’s going to be able to help us.”

WCHS          7     8    4   12    31

Boyle Co    14   18  16  12    60

Washington County (31) –  Godshall 4, Yocum 13, Burton 4, Medley 4, Liddy 1, Hourigan 2, Umulisa 2, Guy 1

Three- point goals – None

Boyle County (60) - Hellyer 9, Neal 22, Ross 6, Hall 4, Howell 7, Tamme 2, Sutton 4, McGirr 4, Logue 2.

Three- point goals – Neal 2

The Commanderettes were scheduled to host Garrard County Tuesday night, but details were not available at press time.

Washington County travels to Marion County Friday night to face the Lady Knights at 6 p.m.

Smalley added, “They have a lot of quickness. It’s going to be a big challenge. They’ve got one of the best shooters in the region in Brooke Roberts. I think if we can hold our turnovers to under 15, we’ll have a chance. If not, it’s going to be a long night.”

Tune into WYSB 102.7 FM at 6 p.m. for the tip-off and visit www.readthesun.com for Washington County basketball updates throughout the week.