RBS girls outscore Watertown

WATERTOWN — Watertown scored enough points to be competitive in, or even win, most games Monday night.
But with Red Boiling Springs scoring inside and out, the Tigerettes fell hopelessly behind in the first half of a 64-44 decision in Watertown's official season opener.
Freshman Laken Leonard scored 20 points from a variety of post moves and even a three pointer while Kelly Rich fired in four triples on her way to 18 as Red Boiling Springs, fully loaded from a State Tournament appearance, improved to 3-0.
"(Leonard's) a nice player and they have a nice squad," Watertown coach Jeff Luttrell said of the Lady Bulldogs. "She is a great talent. You watch her play and you see how much she enjoys playing. But we made it pretty easy on her sometimes. We're not too happy with our defense.
"They shot the ball pretty well. We knew coming in (Rich) could shoot it... But we just can't be satisfied with the defense and we're going to improve it."
Rich and Caylie Dickens dropped in early three-pointers sandwiched around a Leonard layup as Red Boiling Springs sprang out to an 8-0 lead.
Watertown broke the press and pulled within 8-5 on a triple by Laura Clark. But Leonard was unstoppable in the first quarter with 14 points as the Lady Bulldogs built a 28-13 lead. She had 18 by halftime as Red Boiling Springs took a 47-23 advantage into halftime.
"Here in the early going, that's kind of been our forte," said Luttrell, whose Tigerettes dropped both their TSSAA Hall of Champions games last week, which aren't going into their record. "We've got to really improve defensively to be able to stop people.
"Offensively, we'll be fine. But we're young, it's a long season and we're making some improvements and I expect us to continue to improve."
Center Miausha Thompson finished with 14 points inside to lead Watertown while Sells threw in 13. Sarah Reeder tossed in two three pointers on her way to eight while Clark scored seven and Sarah Page and Amanda Montgomery a free throw each.
Watertown will bus to Hermitage Springs tonight for a 6:30 p.m. game.

VanAtta, Lady Bears shred McGavock man defense
NASHVILLE — Mt. Juliet's girls shredded McGavock's man-to-man defense and by the time the Lady Raiders went to a zone, the Lady Bears were well on their way to a season-opening 60-45 win Monday night.
Mt. Juliet fired out to a 27-14 first-quarter lead against the man. McGavock changed defenses but the Lady Bears remained in front 38-29 at halftime and 51-37 through three periods.
K.C. VanAtta sank six three-pointers on her way to 30 points for Mt. Juliet.
"We got off to a good start," Mt. Juliet coach Chris Fryer said. "It was our first game. I didn't think we played particularly well. We missed a lot of shots and had too many turnovers (17)."
Jordan Nixon notched nine points in the post for Mt. Juliet while Taylor Hall added eight, Heather Miller five and Miaca Bowman and Becca Sharpe four each.
The Lady Bears will take on Glencliff at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Leroy Wright Thanksgiving Tournament at Hunters Lane.
Tommy Martin Gym: Fryer said a dedication ceremony and reception in honor of former coach Tommy Martin will be held Dec. 5 before the game against Smyrna. He said all of Martin's friends and former players are invited.

Lady Saints give Kitchen first coaching win
CHATTANOOGA — With Sarah Worden scoring from outside and Anna Haley inside, Mt. Juliet Christian's girls pulled away in the second half Monday for their first win of the season, 51-32 over David Brainerd.
Worden threw in three 3-pointers on her way to 19 points while Haley scored 16 inside as Mt. Juliet Christian climbed to 1-2.
The teams were tied 6-6 following the first quarter before the Lady Saints opened a 19-14 halftime lead and a 33-27 advantage going into the fourth.
"In the second half we got our offense clicking," David Kitchen said after getting his first win as MJCA interim coach. "We switched it up to a zone to stop their two players (Natalie North and Lauren Hudgens) and we started hitting shots."
North threw in three triples on her way to 14 points for David Brainerd while Hudgens had 13 from inside.
Paige Hudson and Christine Humes each finished with five points for Mt. Juliet Christian while Ashley Hudson had four and Chelsea George two.
Mt. Juliet Christian will host Community at 6 p.m. next Tuesday.
Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 17 or by e-mail at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com.