Portageville uses lockdown defense to dominant Hayti

Portageville's Jayla Weddington (3) drives the basket earlier this season. (Submitted)

HAYTI, Mo. — Portageville earned a decisive win at Hayti on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The Lady Bulldogs (14-4) defensive effort was outstanding in the 52-22 beatdown of the Lady Indians (5-14).

“We got a slow start and give credit to them,” Portageville coach Kellye Fowler. “They came out ready to play and jumped to a 5-0 lead. I challenged the girls at halftime to come out and pick up the intensity in the second half and they did just that. Especially our lone senior Amyiah Saxton.”

Saxton finished with a game-high 14 points. She also had 13 rebounds and four blocks.

Portageville will travel to Kennett (13-6) on Thursday, Jan. 26, and compete in the Bootheel Conference Tournament, beginning Saturday, Jan. 28.

The Lady Bulldogs received the top seed and will face eighth-seeded Caruthersville (0-10) at 3:30 p.m.

PORTAGEVILLE 52, HAYTI 22

Portageville (52) — Amiyah Saxton 14, Taryn Irby 9, Glo Farmer 8, Aubrey Greenwell 7, Janiya Smith 6, Laney Stone 6, Lily Beth Priggel 2. FG: 22. FT: 4-6. F: 8. (3-pointers: Greenwell 1. Fouled out: none.)

Hayti (22) — Treazure Johnson 12, Canasta Rhines 5, Taron Larry 5. FG: 9. FT: 2-4. F: 12. (3-pointers: Larry 1, Johnson 1. Fouled out: none.)