Pioneers Go Head-to-Head Against Motlow

By: Nick Kieser

Saturday, December 1, 2018

GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — Arriving late was the opponent Friday night and playing until an unplanned 8 p.m. the Lady Pioneers defeated the visitor Martin Methodist 83-37.  Martin Methodist, a four-year school, sent the JV squad to get experience against the Lady Pioneers who are now (4-3) on the still early season.

"We knew this would be an easier game.  What this means to get a win like this is to see that we need to keep the same intensity and energy for tomorrow's game," said Aliyah Miller.

Leading the way to a victory with her teammates Miller was able to communicate in the game to her players what needed to be ran offensively and defensively to compete in this game.  Having a tight sounded defense and a well-executed offense and getting a win like this seemed to be like a routine.

"The team who wins tomorrow will be tied for first place and the team who loses will drop to fifth in the conference.  Our goal is to be five and zero at the end of December so this is a big game for us," said McKenzie Wallace. 

Today's matchup on the first day of December at Motlow State Community College (5-2) is the first conference game of the month.  As for the Lady Pioneers, this is a game to test their ability to be a better team and pull ahead of the opposition with hard work.

Getting division one attention in games like this is what Miller has going for herself.  And, another teammate that is getting attention as well is Shalaya Armstead.  Assistant coach Tony Thompson has been connecting with the NCAA schools and trying to get the girls a place to play basketball next season.

"We were ready for the game last night and now we want to have a statement game tonight," said Armstead.

Three of the next four games are conference games on the road and for the Lady Pioneers.  These are games to move up in the rankings and prove to the other schools what they have in store for the rest of the year.

"Now is a time for some players who do not get as much playing time to step up.  It is going to be important to be ahead of schedule going into winter break ahead in the conference.  If we can get past the Motlow game that can help this team with a lot of self-confidence," said Thompson.

"We have a great opportunity to put ourselves in a good position.  Our goal is to be five and zero and moving forward.  That's what we have to start doing tonight," said head coach Otis Key.

Tonight's game at Motlow tips-off after the men's game at 4 p.m. To keep up with the game news and analysis follow @VSCCPioneersWBB on Twitter.