Lady 'Birds show off defense

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Working It In Senior Chelsi Robinson looks for an open Lady 'Bird under the basket in El Campo's game with the Wharton Lady Tigers Thursday.

The Lady 'Birds moved to 14-2 on the season after throttling Needville 68-29 in Ricebird Gym Dec. 21.

El Campo jumped out to a 17-8 lead in the first quarter despite struggles moving the ball. The Lady 'Birds committed 8 turnovers, but held Needville to prevent major damage.

The ladies fortunately forced more turnovers than they made in the quarter. Their quick defense led to 10 steals in the first quarter, but a slow-starting offense had trouble taking advantage of the strong defense.

Despite struggles, five different Lady 'Birds made baskets in the first quarter. Ashley Brooks, Ebonee Spencer and Ashley Thomas led all El Campo scorers with 4 points each to start the game.

By the second quarter, El Campo was able to capitalize on its defensive strength. The Lady 'Birds responded with 22 points, led by Spencer's' 8, to take a 39-15 lead at the half.

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Up And Around Junior Angel Brooks decided to pass after a defender got in her face during a field goal attempt.

El Campo held Needville to only 2 points in the third quarter and 12 in the fourth for the final 68-29 win.

The defense combined for 24 steals on the night.

As is often the case for El Campo, the rebounding game worked well. The team combined for a total 52 rebounds with Spencer in the lead with 10. Spencer finished with a double-double on the night with 16 points as well.

El Campo's only serious struggles came from the free-throw line. The team combined to make 6 of 23 free throws for 26 percent in shooting.

After the Needville win, El Campo participated in the Lady Flyer Holiday Classic at Victoria St. Joseph. They started the tournament Thursday with a win over Edna and lost to Wharton later that night. They will continue tournament play this weekend. More tournament information will be upcoming in the Leader-News.

LADY 'BIRD STATS

El Campo 77, Needville 26

1st 2nd 3rd			4th	F
EC 17	22	15	14	- 68
N 8	7	2	12	- 29

EC Leaders

POINTS - Ashley Brooks 17, Ebonee Spencer 16, Shae Solomon 12, Ashley Thomas 11

REBOUNDS - Spencer 10, Solomon 9, Chantel Cook 8, Ashley Brooks 7, Thomas 6

STEALS - Spencer 6, Angel Brooks 5, Ashley Brooks 4

ASSISTS - Thomas 3, Angel Brooks 3