By By Matthew Nascone
Through the first two games of the season the Northview Lady Chiefs have the same record they did after two games last season, but there is one difference for this year's squad.
"These girls have been working hard and we we will be OK," NHS head coach Lorenzo Jones said.
The girls lost their home opener Thursday to the Lady Crusaders of Catholic High, 69-29.
"I believe it is good to play the tough teams early in the season," Jones said. "It is a good way to measure what has to be done for the rest of the year."
The Lady Chiefs hung with Catholic in the first quarter. It might not have shown on the scoreboard, but on the court the girls were playing hard and getting after the ball. Jones said he is confident his team will do better as the season progresses.
"They know what they have to do and I know they will work hard," he said. "The final score does not show how much effort our girls put into the game. They just ran out of gas. But we will work harder so that does not happen again."
Timeka Marshall led the Lady Chiefs with 14 points in the loss. She also had four steals. Brittney Thompson scored six points and snagged five rebounds, while Gabe Wesley had six points and four rebounds. Melissa Garrett also snagged five rebounds and hit one free throw.
The season opener was a different story. Northview had the lead in the game until the final three minutes of play. One variable killed them on the court.
"We had 26 fouls against Century," Jones said. "And we lost three starters when they fouled out. The free throws got us in the end."
After leading for most of the game, the Lady Chiefs lost 34-29 last Tuesday against Century High School. Jones said the fouls are a product of the aggressive defense the squad plays.
"We will get out there and agitate some people," he said. "We will make things happen when we play such aggressive defense."
Thompson led the Lady Chiefs with 10 points. Wesley had eight points and Wanda Knight scored six points.
Northview hosts the Flomaton High Lady Hurricanes Tuesday and tip off is set for 4:30 p.m. This is also the first game for the varsity boys' team.