By Spencer Spilman 

The Lehman Lady Lobos basketball team started off their regular season Nov. 10 on the right foot by defeating the Canyon Lake Lady Hawks 37-27.

The non-district game was a defensive battle with neither team able to make many shots throughout the game. Lehman’s physicality against a much taller Canyon Lake team proved to be the game changer.

The Lady Lobos’ defense caused issues for Canyon Lake when they dropped into their 2-3 zone, which forced the Lady Hawks to make shots from the outside.

Even in a low scoring game, Lehman Freshman Makayla Coy dominated in the post and from the outside. 

Coy knocked down several long shots to help Lehman take a 17-8 lead after the first quarter. 

She continued the scoring and had 11 points at halftime, which comprised of half of Lehman’s 22 first half point total. 

The Lady Lobos led Canyon Lake 22-13 at halftime. Coy finished with 21 points on the night. 

Canyon Lake, however, had the height advantage and showed it as they dominated in rebounds.

That in turn drew Lehman into foul trouble, but Canyon Lake struggled from the free throw line all night. The Lady Hawks hit nine out of 21 free throws.

Canyon Lake’s Emma Gray came off the bench to score a team high eight points and grabbing nearly 10 rebounds.

The low scoring continued in the third quarter. Coy continued to take over the game and score points for Lehman.  

On the defensive side, Lehman’s Janessa Grogan had five steals and also cleaned up rebounds on the boards. Crystal Montoya grabbed several key rebounds and helped run the offense at point guard. Montoya was the second leading scorer for Lehman with seven points.

The Lady Lobos took a 32-22 lead into the fourth quarter. 

But Canyon Lake stepped up their full court press and forced Lehman turnovers, which led to some easy baskets and trips to the free throw line. 

When it seemed like the Lady Hawks were clawing their way back into the game, Coy and Montoya calmed the team down and converted shots to maintain the lead.

Coy hit shots from beyond the arc and also blew past defenders for easy layups. Montoya used her speed to get to the basket, while also knocking down three of her four free throw attempts in the clutch. 

The Lady Lobos either out scored, or matched the Lady Hawks in every quarter of the game. 

Six players from Lehman scored and all 10 players that saw playing time contributed in some way.

The Lady Lobos begin district play by hosting Bowie at home on Tuesday. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.