The names and faces might be a bit different, but the wins are piling up just the same for the Statesboro Lady Blue Devils.
Statesboro won its first two games of the season in Savannah last weekend and opened up its home schedule with a 44-17 laugher over New Hampstead in the first day of the annual Ladies Night Out tournament Monday evening.
As the leading returning scorer from last season’s squad, Shanikwa Buie has taken the reins for the Blue Devils, leading all scorers through three games and recording a game-high 17 points Monday night.
Caja Williams added six points for the Devils while Briana Jones pulled down nine rebounds.
"Right now, we’re still trying to find our way," said SHS coach Jeff Seier. "It’s always nice to get a win, but we’re still not very polished. We did what we had to do to win, but there are always things that we can do to improve."
New Hampstead struck first on an early jumper from Dallas Nelson, but Statesboro rattled off the next eight points.
Midway through the first quarter, the Devils settled into their high-pressure, full-court trap. The Phoenix struggled to break through and turned the ball over five times in six possessions.
Jakera Richardson (9 points, 4 rebounds) eventually made it 8-4 with a mid-range jumper, but the Phoenix continued to struggle as Statesboro took a 12-4 lead after the first eight minutes.
The teams traded buckets early in the second quarter before Buie took over.
Statesboro’s sophomore forward established her presence on both ends, pulling in 11 rebounds on the night to notch a double-double. Buie recorded three consecutive offensive rebounds — all followed by put-backs — midway through the second quarter to extend the Devils’ lead to 18-6.
Buie then stole a pass and was fouled, making both free throws before another Statesboro defensive stand and a jumper from Buie on the left baseline to give the Devils a runaway 22-6 lead.
"(Buie) is one of our big threats right now," said Seier. "With a couple of 6-footers gone from last season, it’s nice to have someone on the inside that can help lead our team."
A long 3-pointer by Williams helped to make it a commanding 27-7 SHS lead at the half.
A blow to the face momentarily knocked Buie out of action early in the second half, but Williams picked up the slack. The senior point guard connected on a tough running layup, drilled another 3 and added a pair of assists as Statesboro scored the first six points of the third quarter.
The Devils ran out to a 42-9 advantage at the end of the period and the mercy clock saw some action in the fourth quarter as Statesboro’s reserves played out the finals six minutes to notch the victory.
Statesboro will try to sweep the Ladies Night Out tournament tonight as it takes on Screven County at 7:30 p.m.
"We just want to keep getting better at this point," said Seier. "That’s the mode we’re in right now. Just get better every game and get ready for all of the games that are still to come."
Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.