SCOTTSVILLE – Allen County-Scottsville senior Sarah Sutton broke a new Lady Patriot record on Thursday night against Greenwood as she has now played in 156 career games.
Like several of the remarkable games throughout her career, Sutton helped lead ACS to victory against the Lady Gators.
The Murray State commit was a perfect 11-of-11 from the charity stripe and scored 29 points for the game, and she poured in the Lady Patriots’ first 11 points of the third quarter to help ACS pull away from the Lady Gators, 58-41.
“The last few games she’s been averaging close to 30 points a game so she’s right at her average,” ACS coach Greg Dunn said. “She’s just been a beast in there. (Greenwood) did a good job of guarding her at times, but then she was able to go inside and get some buckets and get to the free-throw-line. She’s an excellent free-throw shooter and she was 11-for-11.”
ACS (2-2) trailed 11-10 early in the second quarter before going on an 11-0 run that was sparked by a change in defense.
“Our 1-3-1 zone kind of hurt them a little bit and we got some steals and scored in that segment of the second quarter,” Dunn said. “We were able to push the ball and extend the lead.”
Coming off a heart-breaking 68-67 overtime loss to Bowling Green in which they committed 24 turnovers, the Lady Patriots lost possession of the basketball just 10 times against the Lady Gators.
“We had 24 turnovers against Bowling Green and tonight we had 10,” Dunn said. “We talk about that all the time: losing a possession is giving the other team an extra possession. It just makes a huge difference. I was proud of the fact that we reduced those.”
Mason Towery was the Lady Patriots’ next-leading scorer with 15 points. Chloe Cook added seven points and 12 rebounds for ACS, who will travel to Cumberland County on Friday night.
Greenwood (0-3) stayed within striking distance until the fourth quarter, but ACS was able to finally put to bed any hope for a Lady Gator comeback. The Lady Gators were led in the loss by Jacqueline Jackson with 16 points while Nicole Milam added nine. Greenwood will look to pick up its first win of the season at home on Saturday against Clinton County.
WOODS’ SPECIAL MOMENT
Allen County-Scottsville senior Jaylee Woods had a bittersweet moment after the tip-off on Thursday night.
Having suffered a career-ending knee injury, Woods was given the starting nod and allowed to score by Greenwood her last basket as a Lady Patriot. Woods is scheduled to have surgery on Friday.
“I’m very appreciative of Greenwood in helping us set up a scenario where she can start the game and get a basket,” Dunn said.”It means a lot. It meant a lot to Jaylee. I know that the fans and the opposing team fans were really rallying behind her and she needs that.”
Even though she can no longer play, Dunn says that Woods is still a vital part of the ACS girls basketball team.
“She’s a big part of our team despite not being on the floor,” Dunn said. “She’s a great person on the bench to help support and encourage her teammates. She’s a wonderful young lady.”
