Martin claimed its eighth victory this season Friday night with an merry 67-29 romp over Watervliet.
The Lady Clippers, ranked No. 7 in this week’s Associated Press Class D poll, scored the game’s first 13 points in five minutes, experienced a lull and allowed the visitors to creep to within six points, 15-9, before turning on the jets again and flying past their opponents.
After senior Alexis Worley swished a three-pointer early in the second period, The Panthers failed to score another point in the entire first half, with Martin enjoying a 29-9 cushion.
It was the Warner sisters, Kiaya and Brianna, who inflicted the most serious blows. The two guards came up with a number of steals, directed traffic on a fast-break attack that was lethal and together scored 19 of the Lady Clippers’ 29 points at intermission.
Watervliet failed to score at all until freshman Samantha Dietz, daughter of the coach, nailed a couple of free throws at the 2:44 mark. Another freshman, Madison Flowers, scored the Panthers’ first basket shortly afterward.
But Watervliet, which entered the contest with a 1-5 overall record, was no match for the relentless pressure of the Warners and senior guard Jacqueline Hildebrand. Though the Panthers scored 14 points in the third quarter, Martin tallied 19 in both of the latter two periods and pulled away.
Kiaya Warner topped all scorers with 19 points and seven steals, and sister Bri had 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Faith Guritz, the team’s top scorer and rebounder, was “held” to 11 and Natalie Yowler came off the bench to drop in seven points.
Dietz finished with an even dozen points for Watervliet and Flowers added seven.
Martin will be shooting for its ninth straight victory this season Tuesday evening at home where it will entertain Potter’s House.
COVER PHOTO: Jackie Hildebrand (15) runs the Martin offense from the top of the key.
