For a quarter Friday afternoon, the Muhlenberg County Lady Mustangs hung right there with the Lyon County Lady Lyons. I reiterate, for a quarter. Lyon County hit Muhlenberg County with big runs to open the second quarter and the third quarter as the Lady Lyons ran away to a 72-43 win on the Lady Mustangs’ home court.
The win is the fourth in a row for Lyon County and sixth in the last seven games.
The Lady Lyons came out with a little New Year’s lag in the opening quarter. Lyon County managed just four field goals in the first eight minutes but the good news was that their defense was not allowing Muhlenberg County to generate much either as the Lady Lyons led 8-7 after one.
And, the defense was about to give the offense the jolt it needed.
Sparked by its full court defensive pressure, the Lyon County offense kicked into gear quickly in the second quarter. With Muhlenberg County having to battle just to get the ball up court, the Lady Lyons scored the first 9 points of the quarter to make it 17-7. The blitz grew to 15-1 as the margin grew to 23-8.
Piper Cotham and Courtney Collins got hot from outside the arc and combined for four 3-pointers in the quarter as Lyon County took a 33-16 lead into the break.
Coming out of the half, the Lady Lyons hit the Lady Mustangs with another big run, and again it was the defensive pressure that was fueling the fire. Lyon County opened the third quarter with a 13-2 run and suddenly the lead was out to 46-18. With the trio of Cotham, Collins and Trinity Taylor scoring a combined 21 points in the third, the Lady Lyons were on top 56-28 going into the final quarter.
With Lyon County reserves getting some action early in the 4th quarter, Muhlenberg County made an 8-0 run to cut the margin to 56-36, prompting Coach Ricky Baker to get his starters just a little bit more playing time.
With the starters back in, Lyon County dropped the hammer for good. A Cotham three, a Collins 3, a Cotham layup, and Cotham making 1 of 3 after being fouled on a three-point shot and the lead was 65-36. After a Muhlenberg County basket, Courtney Collins hit another three and Piper Cotham scored on another layup and it was game, set, and match.
Piper Cotham finished with a game-high 33 points. She added 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Courtney Collins did the double-double thing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Lily Coffman added 8 points and Trinity Taylor finished with 7.
Taliana Groves was the only player to hit double figures for Muhlenberg County, ending up with 12 points.
Lyon County (10-3) begins play in the 2nd Region All A Classic Monday night on the road at Fort Campbell.
