After a back-and-forth first half of action Friday night, the Arts & Sciences girls' basketball team took control of its Region 3-A quarterfinal in the third quarter.
Despite the Lady Patriots losing their first two games against Lookout Valley this season, they were able to win 53-40 in the matchup that counted the most. CSAS led by three at halftime and proceeded to swell the margin behind strong play from Lennex Walker.
"The two Walker girls are really good players, so they're always a handful to guard," said Lookout Valley coach Darren Crownover.
Lennex scored all 11 of the Lady Patriots' points in the third quarter, while Lookout Valley scored only five.
"She's an incredible athlete that I'm lucky to have playing for me. She played really well," CSAS coach Zach Dragoo said.
Lookout Valley played a box-and-one defense for most of the game, trying to slow her, but it was relatively ineffective as she finished with a game-high 23 points. Lamiah Walker added 18 points in the win.
"(Lennex Walker) is really difficult to guard. She is as good of a player as we've seen," Crownover said. "She can stretch the floor shooting the 3, and she's also really good off the dribble."
Bailey Lee was the most consistent player offensively for the Lady Yellow Jackets, scoring a team-high 12 points in limited action; however, defensive adjustments by CSAS were able to disrupt the offense.
"Any time number 40 (Lee) went out of the game we went man-to-man, and in the second half they went with four guards so we played more 3-2 zone," Dragoo said. "When they had two post players in there, we were able to help down to play the paint, and I think that bothered them, so they made the adjustment of going to four guards."
Inside scoring was also very key. CSAS made most of its buckets inside the paint, making only one 3-pointer all game. Lookout Valley relied heavily on the 3-point shot, making eight, but the Lady Wildcats missed a lot more than they would have liked.
"We didn't shoot well, and didn't get many second-chance opportunities. They did a good job defensively and a good job on the boards," Crownover said.
CSAS (16-14) advances to the semifinals to play Marion County. The season is over for Lookout Valley (20-13).
"This is probably my favorite team I've ever coached. We had three great seniors who overcame a lot," Crownover said. "To win 20 games this year is a great accomplishment, and I'm really proud of them."
Contact Ted Bryant at sports@timesfreepress.com.