The Lincoln County Panthers's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fifth straight defeat. They lost to Wayne on the road by a decisive 60-44 margin. While losing is never fun, Lincoln County can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' West Virginia basketball rankings (they are ranked 99th, while the Pioneers are ranked seventh).
Lincoln County's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Abbie Jeffers, who scored eight points along with six rebounds and two steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Rebecca Pennington, who scored eight points.
Wayne got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Brooke Adkins out in front who almost dropped a double-double on 11 points and nine rebounds. Adkins is crushing the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Laneigh Brooks, who scored 14 points along with four steals.
Lincoln County's defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 3-14. As for Wayne, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 16-1.
Lincoln County won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against the Irish at 6:00 p.m. on February 2nd. As for Wayne, they will play host again and welcome the Huskies, where tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday. That matchup will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Ayva Veltri and Adkins.
