After last night’s 59-49 win over Palm Beach Lakes, the Lady Chiefs basketball team will advance to the Regional Semifinals. The win came as no surprise to Chief fans who echo the sentiment of Athletic Director Barry Cohen: “This Lady Chiefs team has dedicated hundreds of hours of training and practicing for this moment. This is what they have been striving for since day one of the basketball season, a chance to go to Lakeland, for a state championship.”
The team was led to victory last night by the dynamic scoring duo of Kendra Bentley who brought in a whopping 29 points and Angelina Wimbley who put up 19. Possession of the ball proved to be a critical component of the game and rebounds were essential. Britney Chery led the team in rebounds accounting for 11 of the team’s 37 total rebounds. The Lady Chiefs took an early lead in the first quarter, finishing the first half 28-21. Palm Beach Lakes tried to clamber their way back in the second and third quarter, eventually coming within 3. However, the Lady Chiefs prevailed and held the lead from the first bucket to the buzzer.
A fairly even matchup overall, the Lady Chiefs proved to be a formidable opponent to the same team that cost them their season opener. They were able to ward off an aggressive Palm Beach Lakes team with consistency and a harmonious balance of hustle and patience. With talent and skill rivaled only by their heart and grit, the team’s energy was palpable and the crowd was viscerally engaged throughout the game.
One of the team’s biggest fans, Principal Robinson had this to say after the game: “I am really proud of our Lady Chiefs advancing to the next level in Regionals! They have demonstrated a great work ethic this season working together as a team.” Principal Robinson also highlighted the team’s undeniable on- and off-court chemistry, adding, “Also, they have a very strong bond and it is evident with their execution on the court. I’m excited to see them play in the game against Vero Beach. Way to go Lady Chiefs!”
The Lady Chiefs will travel next week to face top-ranked Vero Beach on Tuesday, February 15, at 7pm.
