Patriots run win streak to nine games (12/10/07)

ANDERSON - It's hard to decide what is more impressive, nine straight wins or a 5-0 record on the road.

Either way, one thing is clear. The Patriots are on fire.

For the second straight season, the Jay County High School girls basketball team eked out a victory over the Anderson Highland Scots. It pulled ahead with a strong third quarter, and then held on for a 60-58 victory.

The Patriots beat Highland at home last season, holding on for a 57-56 win after leading by as many as 13.

Trailing by two on the road at halftime Saturday, Jay County (9-1, 2-0 Olympic Athletic Conference) came out of the locker room ready to go after the intermission. It outscored the Scots 14-5 in the third quarter to take control and held on during the final minutes.

Sophomore Lindsay Wellman scored 14 points for the Patriots, whose nine-game win streak matches the run put together by the 2004-05 team that finished 16-6. Kaelee Keller, a junior followed with 13 points, and seniors Cassandra Huelskamp and Abby Loy each added eight.

Huelskamp had a huge day on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds to lead JCHS to a 29-23 rebounding advantage against the taller Highland squad. Pazia Speed added six rebounds, Wellman had five boards and Dana Horn dished out three assists.

Raven Ivey led all scorers, as she put in 27 points in the losing effort for the Scots (5-4, 1-1 OAC). Kyla Lacy added 13 points.

Jay County continued its offensive prowess as it has now scored 55 or more points in all 10 games for a season average of 65.3.

Freshman

The Patriots scored just three points in the opening quarter, but posted at least nine in each of the next three for a 32-22 victory over Highland.

Brittany Manor nailed three 3-pointers and scored seven of her game-high 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Taylor Burris and Deidre Chenoweth added six points apiece.[[In-content Ad]]