Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — Standing is bad. Running is good.
The Coal Grove Lady Hornets struggled hitting open shots early, but once they started running they began to generate some offense as they ran past the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 55-35 in an Ohio Valley Conference game on Monday.
Coal Grove was just 9-of-29 from the field in the first half and trailed the Lady Trojans after the first quarter.
“We had some good looks early but missed the open shots. We were able to get out and run in the second quarter. We moved the ball really well in transition,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Rick Roach.
“(Kaleigh) Murphy played one of her best games to date. She did a great job on the boards tonight as well. It just goes to show what she is capable of doing.”
Hannah Hughes scored 6 points as Portsmouth who took a 9-7 first quarter lead.
Addi Dillow scored 8 points and Abbey Hicks scored 4 points as Coal Grove rallied to take a 25-16 halftime lead.
“Hicks has been under the weather and played limited time tonight. She just gutted it out,” said Roach.
Coal Grove (9-4, 7-0) got rolling in the third quarter as Dillow and Murphy combined for 14 points and the lead grew to 46-26.
Hughes hit a 3-pointer and scored 8 of Portsmouth’s 10 points in the quarter.
No one could generate much offense in the fourth quarter as each team scored 9 points.
Dillow had a game-high 21 points to lead the Lady Hornets who remained in first place in the OVC. Murphy scored 17 points in the win.
Hughes scored 21 points to lead the Lady Trojans (5-8, 1-6).
On Thursday, Coal Grove visits Fairland and Portsmouth host South Point.
Coal Grove 7 18 21 9 = 55
Portsmouth 9 7 10 9 = 35
COAL GROVE (9-4, 7-0): Ellie Holmes 2 0 2-2 6, Addi Dillow 10 0 3-4 23, Caitlin Dillon 0 1 -0 3, Katie Deeds 0 0 0-0 0, Mikayla Daniels 0 0 0-0 0, Autumn Hicks 0 0 0-0 0, Kaleigh Murphy 6 0 5-6 17, Abbey Hicks 3 0 0-0 6, Rylee Harmon 0 0 0-0 0, Kenadee Keaton 0 0 0-0 0, Jnna Hicks 0 0 0-0 0, Jaidyn Griffith 0 0 0-3 0. Totals: 22-61 10-15 55. 3-pt goals: 1. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.
PORTSMOUTH (5-8, 1-6): Hannah Hughes 6 1 6-7 21, Ashanti Richardson 0 0 0-0 0, Jaiden Rickett 2 0 2-3 6, Nia Trinidad 1 1 0-2 5, Skilyn Robinson 1 0 0-0 2, Harley Peterman 0 0 0-0 0, Kymaree Carter 0 0 0-0 0, Bre Wilson 0 0 1-2 1, Gabi Johnson 0 0 0- 00, Keirston Reed 0 0 0-1 0, Joy Livingston 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 12-47 9-15 35. 3-pt goals: 2. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.