Wins over Warriors, Hornets keep Monroe on top

The William Monroe girl’s varsity basketball team has been a tough team to beat all year. Thursday’s game on January 29 was no different as the Dragons hosted the Western Albemarle Warriors on senior night.
The game was pushed back to Thursday night due to a recent snowstorm that kept the schools out for some days. This meant the teams were coming off very little practice before the game.
This was quite evident in the first quarter for Monroe, as they struggled to get things going offensively. Early turnovers and missed free throws hurt the Dragons, which allowed Western to get a good-sized lead.
At the end of the first quarter, Monroe was able to put just three points on the board. Western led 12-3 heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter was a much better one for the Dragons. Defensively they stepped up their pressure and were able to get a bunch of steals. Guard Bethany Leake led the team with four in the second quarter alone.
Climbing their way back into the game, the Lady Dragons went on a 10-2 scoring run to close out the half. As the second quarter came to an end, the Warriors led the Dragons by a score of 18-14.
The third quarter went by quickly with neither team able to put up many points. Monroe turned up the defense with their full-court press to slow down the Warriors.
Western was able to score a mere four points in the third quarter. Heading into the fourth quarter, Monroe held a slim lead at 25-22.
The fourth quarter was the most impressive for both teams. The scoring went back and forth with both teams hitting big shots.
Monroe grabbed its biggest lead of the game 35-27 but was short lived as Western scored the next seven points to pull within a point.
But, just as she’s done many times this season, Melanie Lamb put the game away with two free throws. Another steal by Leake closed the game out. The Dragons held on to win a close one by a final count of 37-34.
Coach Philip Lamb had nothing but good things to say about his Lady Dragons.
“We would not give up. We have played this way all year.“ Lamb said. “Mel has been our catalyst throughout the year, whenever we have needed a big play, she has came through.“
Leading the Dragons was Melanie Lamb with 10 points. Brittnee Conley added 8 and Alex Cave had 6. 
Monroe also had a game Friday night January 30th against the Orange Hornets. Just as they did the night before they pulled off another close win beating the Hornets 55-54 in Orange.
The Dragons improve to 15-5 overall and 9-1 in the district. At press time, The Lady Dragons were preparing to host Fluvanna on Tuesday, February 3.