Spring Valley’s Xylina McDaniel looks to pass as Keenan’s Valencia Perry defends. Photo by Careese Robinson The script played out in a familiar way. Spring Valley comes out in airtight defense to force opponent turnovers that result in fast-break layups and jump shots. The Lady Vikings build a big lead, empty the bench, and coast to another victory.

Paced by 24 points from Asia Dozier and another 15 from Xylina McDaniel, both recognized as McDonald’s All- American candidates before the game, the Lady Vikings rolled to a 77-39 victory over the Keenan Lady Raiders in a nonregion contest Saturday, January 28 at the Spring Valley gym. The victory gives the Vikings a 17- 3 overall record.

Coach Reggie McLain’s Lady Raiders fell to 8- 9 overall with the loss. Sophomore guard Keira Robinson led Keenan with 20 points.

“Overall, I thought the girls played hard and executed the game plan,” McLain said. “ We knew they were going to trap us. We passed the ball well early. They dominated us on the boards. They got a lot of offensive rebounds and put us in foul trouble.”

Spring Valley’s Latisha Smith f loats a shot against Keenan. Photo by Careese Robinson Coach Anne Long of Spring Valley had nine players get in the scoring column and pronounced herself pleased with the effort her team brought to the floor.

“Several people really helped us off the bench,” the coach nodded. “ Smith ( junior guard Latisha) stepped in there and got a three for us and some other points off the bench. I thought the freshman Akia Dunlap played with some real intensity and gave us some good minutes.” Both players finished with eight points each.

“I was pretty pleased with the defense,” Long added. “ We got up and down the floor a little better than we have been.”

As the Vikings close in on the end of the regular season and set sail for a third state title in four years, Long thinks her team is rounding into form for a push to the Colonial Life Arena in March

“ We have a tough run here next week, and I could probably answer that better then,” Long explained. “We have Dutch Fork here Tuesday and Ridge View on Friday. They all know what is coming. They all know what we need to do–that we can have fresh legs and make a run for it.”