The Lady Knights are struggling to find a victory at the start of the season, falling in their third loss to the Lady Pirates Tuesday. Senior Kaylic Hamric boosted the Lady Knights’ offense, earning a total of 19 points against the Lady Pirates. However, the Lady Knights failed to hold back a high octane Preston offense, leading to a 54-40 loss.

Losing the lead early in the first quarter, the Lady Knights could only make it to the basket for eight points. Senior Autumn Blackbear busted out a pair of 3s. Preston fouled Hamric and sent her to the foul line for two shots, which she was able to complete. Though Blackbear was unstoppable from the three-point line, the Lady Pirates led a tough campaign to the basket. Preston senior Abbie Long scored two layups against the Knights, while Leach and Aaliyah Harrison obtained one two-pointer each. Fouls also helped the Lady Pirates get on the scoreboard. Long, Leach and Harrison completed five free throw shots, which left the Lady Knights fighting against a 13-8 lead.

The Lady Knights’ offense fell into a scoring slump in the second quarter. Hamric was the only one to find an opportunity for a successful shot. With only three points added to their score, the Lady Knights were powerless to stop the Lady Pirates from adding to their lead. Freshman Adrianne Wilson earned a pair of 3s and junior guard Maycie Jones earned her first three-point shot of the night. Long and Harrison also chimed to push the Lady Pirates into a 29-11 lead.

Henryetta had finally found their momentum in the third quarter, matching the Lady Pirates’ scoring barrage. Preston busted out another double digit quarter, earning a total of 14 points, mostly from under the basket. However, Hamric led a 10-point scoring spree, earning two buckets, a three-pointer and two free throws. Blackbear returned after a one-quarter scoring hiatus to complete a three-pointer, while senior Emily Smith broke through for her first two-pointer.

Though the Lady Knights had matched the Lady Pirates with 14 points, they weren’t able to overturn Preston’s lead.

Henryetta faced 43-25 disadvantage when they entered the fourth quarter, hitting the court hard, the Lady Knights tried to make one last comeback. Hamric and sophomore Katelyn Dwiggins made it to the basket for a two-pointer and also completed a three-point bucket. Earning a total of 15 points, the Lady Knights cut through the Lady Pirates lead, but weren’t able to overturn it. Henryetta had led a gallant effort to make a comeback in the second half with two double digit quarters; however, the Lady Pirates had never lost their momentum, resulting in a 54-40 loss.

The Lady Knights are scheduled to take on the Kellyville Lady Ponies tonight on the road in their fourth game of the season.

Kellyville is currently 2-0 for the season and is ranked 8th in Class 3A. The Lady Ponies also delivered the Lady Knights their first loss of the season, 65-35.