Girls Basketball: Moten, Panthers scratch out win

Updated: November 26, 2011 10:02PM

HAMMOND — Roosevelt’s Kelly Moten is one of the leading scorers in the state.

In Saturday’s knock-down, drag-out game against Gavit, the Panthers’ senior guard really had to scratch-and-claw for points.

With Gavit coach Ken Anderson implementing a triangle-and-two against her and Takita Lenoir, Moten concentrated more on trying to getting teammates more involved offensively.

As a result, she turned in a solid performance overall.

Moten scored a game-high 17 points — 12 in the second half — to help Roosevelt (3-1) to a 56-39 win over the Gladiators (3-2).

“Kelly had to assert herself a little bit more today,” Panthers’ coach Ron Swain said. “She made some good passes to set up teammates, but they have to be able to finish their shots.”

The Panthers made only 6 of 26 attempts in the first half, yet trailed only 21-20 at the break.

“When Kelly gets her teammates more involved it makes us a better team,” Swain said. “We just can’t be a two-man show with only Kelly and Lenoir.”

In addition to her 17 points, Moten collected 13 rebounds, made five steals and dished out five assists.

“We respect the heck out of her,” Anderson said. “We tried to shut her and Lenoir down.”

Lenoir, who finished with 12 points, ignited an 11-0 ‘Velt run in the first four minutes of the third period with a 3-point shot, leading to a 31-21 Panthers’ lead.

“I was really focused on defense today,” Moten said. “In the first half, it was just a matter of getting my teammates more involved. I knew sooner or later they were going to put it together and pick up their games. In the second half, I was just finishing more and trying to draw contact.”

BreAnne Misner led Gavit with 15 points and 10 rebounds, despite a sore ankle and nasty blister. Hattie Andrews had 14 points, 11 boards and blocked two shots, before fouling out with 4:46 left.

The Glads were plagued by 37 turnovers and 15 of 26 free throw shooting.

“We’re too young right now to be very good,” Anderson said. “We’re good enough to fight and we play hard, but we have to be a lot smarter. We can’t just go away from stuff so quick. February is a different story. We’ll see what we’ve got going then.”

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