by James Tate
Titans have an advantage in the first half
Darts’ senior Kendra Kitchen dominated the first quarter, scoring all of the Dart’s eight points. But after a slow start, the Titans picked up their offense behind two three-point baskets by junior Avery Sanders. The score at the end of the first period was 10-8 in favor of the Titans.
The second period saw both teams exchange turnovers, but with 5:50 the Titans went up 13-8 after Sanders made one of two free throws. Sanders used her quickness to find driving lanes and get to the free-throw line. Sanders finished the first half with 12 points and made 4 of 6 free throws.
Kitchen was a force in the paint for the Darts, scoring 12 points and giving the Darts second-chance shots with her rebounding. The half ended with the Titans ahead 15-13 and a short delay with scoreboard problems.
The third quarter was the Kate Richards show
The second half started with Kitchen making a short jumper to even the score at 15 with 7:06 left in the third quarter. Kitchen started to take control of the game with her rebounding and defense. With 5:15 left in the period, Kitchen blocked a Titans shot that led to a fast break layup by junior Kate Richards. Davis led 17-15 and started to pull away with Richards’ hot shooting.
Richards hit her first three-point basket with 4:18 left in the third quarter to give the Darts a 22-17 lead. Titans’ freshman Olivia Sorensen grabbed a rebound and made a put-back layup next, and the score was 22-19. Darts’ guard freshman Chloe Peery was fouled driving in the lane and made the shot and free throw for a 25-19 Davis lead. Richards electrified the crowd by making three, three-point shots in the quarter.
With Kitchen’s defense, Peery’s drives in the lane, and Richards’ three-point shooting, Davis held a 33-25 lead after three quarters. Sanders’ outstanding play kept the game close by hitting timely shots for Syracuse.
Darts keep the Titans down in the fourth quarter
The fourth quarter started with Darts’ freshman T’Maea Eteuati making a three-point basket to give Davis a 36-25 advantage. The final minutes of the game saw a familiar possession with Kitchen inside and getting fouled. Kitchen made both free throws, and the score was 40-30 with 2:30 remaining.
The final points were scored by Darts’ junior Avery Dain and a three-point basket by Titans’ junior Rochelle Afo Manuma for a final score of 42-33 Darts victory.
The Darts have an 11-1 overall record, 4-0 in region play, and a five-game winning streak. The next game for Davis is at the Clearfield Falcons on January 20, 2023.
The Titans move to an 8-5 overall record and 2-1 in region play. The next game for Syracuse is an away contest at the Farmington Phoenix on January 17, 2023.
Outstanding performers
The Titan’s Sanders was the key in giving the Titans a chance with a game-high 19 points.
The Darts’ Kitchen and Richards led the Dart’s scoring with 18 and 11 points. Peery was the spark that kept the momentum in favor of the Darts with her quickness on offense and defense.
photo courtesy James Tate