There’s not really any other way to say it.
Western Albemarle’s Sydney Fewell was just feeling it.
Fewell hit three-straight 3-pointers in the final four minutes of Western’s clash with Louisa County Tuesday night. The senior guard then added a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach and secure a 46-42 victory over the Lions.
“I knew that I was being counted on to make plays — I had to do what I had to do to get us back in the game,” Fewell said. “The last couple of games I’ve found the rhythm, I’ve finally found my game.”
Fewell, who suffered a wrist injury around this time last year, has recently found her shooting touch again, but Tuesday was a different matter all together. Fewell poured in 19 total points with five 3-pointers and a 4-for-4 night at the line. Most importantly, perhaps, was the fact that in the closing seconds she never hesitated, catching and shooting over the Louisa zone confidently without even a hint of a pause to cap out a 19-point performance.
“We talked about winning close games and we haven’t done that this year,” said Western coach Kris Wright. “Sydney came in with four minutes to go in the fourth quarter and made a ton of plays — just lights out. Alora (Henry) did the same thing in the first half. Ultimately, you can put kids in spots they just have to make things happen.”
Henry had nine first half points to give the Warriors a spark early in the opening frame and the Warriors’ forward also had five rebounds and three blocks. Fewell had four steals of her own. Emily Marbury dished out four assists while Bridget Shaffrey had eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Lions’ zone worked well until Fewell heated up as Louisa turned to the set in the second quarter and effectively held the Warriors in check. Kim Washington also got going offensively, and helped keep the Lions within striking distance. The matchup went back-and-forth down the stretch with Louisa grabbing the reins before Fewell took it back with a 3-pointer. Louisa just couldn’t break through and take control. Western just kept coming.
“We told them in the locker room they have nothing to be ashamed of, the effort was there,” said Louisa coach Jarred Soles. “I’ve seen No. 10 (Fewell) hit some big shots. So were we aware of her? Yes. And when she still finds a way to get things done, hat’s off to her.”
Mady Baker finished with eight points with the majority coming on a pair of 3-pointers. Western overcame a slow, 6-point third quarter with the 18-point explosion in the fourth.
Javanique Burress finished with eight points for Louisa while Khadisah Winkey scored nine.
