Davenport girls routed by Liberty

Gorillas have three-game win streak snapped

Drew Lawson, The Record-Times | Last updated Jan 05, 2023 9:8am0

Drew Lawson | The Record-Times count

Davenport senior Kiersten Kemmerer gains position on the perimeter against Liberty junior Grace Grumbly. The Lancers beat the Gorillas 62-37.

DAVENPORT - Despite many athletic successes, the Gorillas haven't figured out the Liberty Lancers this school year. Dating back to fall sports, the crew from Spangle has defeated Davenport in every varsity team sport matchup, and that continued Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Liberty topped Davenport in three straight contests of girls basketball, boys basketball and wrestling.

The girls game was the most lopsided contest, as the Lancers topped Davenport 62-37 while utilizing strong offensive sets to keep the Gorillas at bay.

"Their speed and getting the ball up the court bothered us in the first half, and we didn't really look like we picked up the pace in the second half," Davenport head coach Stacia Soliday said. "I just think they got too many easy baskets."

Davenport managed to keep the game within striking distance in the first half, trailing 28-18 at halftime despite 13 points and eight rebounds from Liberty star Ellie Denny. But the Lancers sliced through the Gorillas defense in the third quarter, scoring 18 points and allowing just four points to make the advantage insurmountable.

Denny, a likely first-team all-league player in the NE2B this year, finished with 23 points and 8 rebounds.

She was aided by 15 points from Brooke Redder.

Lena Waters led Davenport with 8 points and three rebounds. Jensyn Jacobsen had 7 points and 7 rebounds for the Gorillas.

"It was good for us to see the pace we need to be moving at," Soliday said. "And how much tougher we're going to have to play."

Davenport had a three-game win streak snapped with the loss and dropped to 6-4 this season. The Gorillas will look to rebound against Kettle Falls on the road at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6.