With half a season over, the Lady Knights basketball team is 7-8. On Jan. 29, they hosted the Pattonville Pirates, who are 8-5. This has been the first home game since they played Fort Zumwalt West on Jan. 8.

“Before the game, I was thinking to myself we needed to bring the intensity and aggression,” freshmen guard Gabby Delarue said. “We knew Pattonville was going to be a tough match up. They are very fast and very athletic. “

The Lady Knights struck early when senior point guard, Austine Pauley, hit an early three pointer. The Pirates answered with a fast break followed by a three pointer. The game went back and forth throughout the first quarter, but by the end of the second quarter, the Pirates extended the lead 27-14.

“I think we played fine in the first half” Junior Sam Alexander said. ”They played faster than what we are used to, but I think it will help us [by seeing that pace] in future games.”

In the second half, the knights struggled to get a shot to fall and Pattonville capitalized on their mistakes. The final score was 54-32. Senior Austine Pauley had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Forward Jessica Brady was the second leading scorer with 11 points. Overall, the Lady Knights were 23% from the field and 45% from the freethrow line. Pattonville was 38% from the field and 64% from the freethrow line which had a huge impact on their win.

“We played fairly well, but we weren’t expecting how quick they would be and how efficient they drove to the basket and dished it out,” freshman Center Hannah Wilson said. ”It didn’t help that we had a game the night before so our legs were tired, but overall, we fought really hard.”

With a deep bench, the Lady Knights hope that they can push the defensive tempo and that will translate into wins. The team is having a hard time getting their shot to fall but are due for a big win. The lady knights will travel to Francis Howell Central on Tuesday, Feb. 1. They will play in the Pink Ribbon Game against Timberland at North on Friday, Feb. 5.

“Defense will set the tone and give us a chance in both games next week,” Head Coach Jamal Thompson said.