Lady Rattlers top Caldwell in district opener

The Navasota girls’ varsity basketball team overcame a sluggish first half to outscore Caldwell and capture a 43-22 victory. It was the first district game of the season for both teams.

Navasota shot only 19% in the first half but outscored the Lady Hornets 30-9 in the second half putting together 5-0 and 8-2 runs. The Lady Rattlers connected on 52% from the field and 75% from the line in the second half.

“Our offensive struggles continue and certainly they were apparent in the first half, but we made a few adjustments at the half and started getting the ball inside,” explained Navasota Head Coach Tommy Gates. “We were also able to score in transition and that helped.”

Junior Jakayla Jones led all scorers with 11 points. Ta’shauna Leigh added nine, while both Tamia Dailey and Sha’Dimon King added six. Taniaya Warren and Porsche Jones chipped in four points each while freshman guard Nala added three.

Navasota won the rebound war 41-29. Jakayla Jones and Taniaya Warren each pulled down nine rebounds.

“Our defense continues to be really good,” stated Gates. “It has kept us in games all season and tonight it won the game for us. Defense is so much about effort. This was a good win for our kids.”

The Rattlers will embark on their toughest stretch of the season with three straight road games. Tuesday Jan. 14, Navasota traveled to LaGrange to take on the 21-3 and fifth ranked Leopards. Then they have trips to Bellville Friday, Jan. 17, and Smithville Tuesday, Jan. 21, before returning to the friendly confines of Rattler Gym Friday, Jan. 24 hosting Giddings.