Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — And that’s what halftime is for.

Trailing at the half, the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers’ head coach Doug Graham made some changes in the team’s defense that resulted in a 53-44 come-from-behind win over the Portsmouth Lady Trojans on Monday.

Ironton was down 15-9 at the end of the first quarter and 31-24 at the half.

“We made a couple of adjustments at halftime and the girls came out and executed them well and that was the difference,” said Graham.

Ironton held Portsmouth to just three points in the third quarter as they stormed back to take a 42-34 lead.

“I’d rather win ugly than lose pretty,” said Graham. “But Portsmouth played well. Give them credit.”

Lexie Barrier led Ironton with 19 points including 7 of 8 at the foul line. Sydney Webb added 9 points and Lexi Wise score 8. Taylor and Jordan Hannan scored 6 each.

Peighton Williams scored 19 pints — 13 in the first half — to lead Portsmouth. Jada Jenkins had 7 points.

The game was the first Ohio Valley Conference contest ever for both teams as well as their season opener.

Ironton visits three-time defending league champion Fairland on Thursday.

Ironton 9 15 18 11 = 53

Portsmouth 15 16 3 10 = 44

IRONTON (1-0, 1-0): Jordan Hannan 2 0 2-2 6, Lexi Wise 3 0 2-6 8, Taylor Hannan 3 0 0-2 6, Lexie Barrier 6 0 7-8 19, Macy Wise 1 0 1-2 3, Sydney Webb 3 1 0-0 9, Cheyenne Scott 1 0 0-0 2, Alyssa Lewis 0 0 0-0 0, Zakie Lee 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 1 12-20 53. Fouls: 19. Fouled out: None.

PORTSMOUTH (0-1, 0-1): T. Parker 0 0 0-0 0, Faythe Lee 2 0 0-2 4, Kearns 1 1 0-1 5, Peighton Williams 3 0 13-16 19, Jada Jenkins 3 0 1-2 7, Mya Williams 2 0 0-0 4, Semajah Parker 2 0 1-4 5. Totals: 13 1 15-25 44. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None.