Sports
Rachel Richardson Plays Key Role in Lady Spartans Win
By: Maggie Shandrink
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Rachel Richardson didn’t play like a freshman Monday night. Coming off the bench as the sixth man, Rachel led the Alexander Lady Spartans (2-0) to a 53-37 victory over the Jackson Ironladies (1-2).
The Lady Spartans entered the fourth quarter leading the Ironladies, but the Ironladies cut the lead to nine with less than two minutes to play. However Rachel stole the ball twice and was fouled twice in the final minutes. She made three of her four shots to seal the deal for the Lady Spartans.
Rachel further helped the Spartans all around with 21 points, another assist and steal. It didn’t come without the help from her teammate and sister Leah Richardson, who added 12 points and three assists. Jala Mace notched 12 points and 12 rebounds for Alexander.
The Lady Spartans defense played a key role in the win, pressuring the Jackson offense the whole game. Switching from a full court man-to-man trap defense to a half-court 2-3 zone trap defense, Alexander forced Jackson to turn the ball over 15 times.
Alexander’s defense forced Jackson’s lead scorer, Rebeka Green, into foul trouble with four fouls late in the third quarter, causing her to spend time on the bench. Green led the Ironladies with 23 points. Her quickness and ability to drive the lane and finish at the basket proving her a threat to watch this season.
Alexander looks to continue their winning streak at home against Vinton County Thursday night.