BULLARD -- The Brook Hill Lady Guard were in command from the start, all but securing the victory by halftime.

If that weren't enough, the defense was even more suffocating in the second half as Brook Hill cruised to a 52-21 victory against Tyler Bishop Gorman on Friday.

Brook Hill (5-7, 1-0 TAPPS District 3-5A) began to open its lead in the second quarter, when Alyssa Luker nailed a couple of 3-pointers. Kylei Griffin was also big in the quarter as well as all night. She finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead all players in both categories.

“It’s always great to have a big down there that can dribble," coach Stephanie Williams said. "Kylei is kind of a tricky dribbler. She sees the floor well. For as much points as she had she usually has 8-10 assists. Kylei is very good for just being a freshman, but I also have Kat (Jasper) our point guard that was seeing the floor well and Tori (Ransom) who was attacking. I have some of my best players. My shooters made their shots.”

Outside of Griffin, Luker had 10 points and Jasper finished with six assists and seven points.

It was the defense that prevailed, however, especially in the third quarter. After entering halftime with a 27-14 lead, Brook Hill didn't come out of halftime looking content.

The Lady Guard outscored Gorman 17-2 in the quarter, with a commanding 44-16 lead at the end of three. The Lady Crusaders (8-8, 0-1) turned it over 26 times thanks to the pressure of Brook Hill's defense.

“Tonight was a good defensive night for us," Williams said. "This whole week, we’ve been emphasizing pressuring the ball. I think they’re starting to get the grasp of it. Knowing they’re areas in zone and feeling confident in their spacing for man. I’m really proud of how they’re boxing out.”

Friday's victory was a statement to the rest of the district, but the Lady Guard now refocus. They will next face Tyler HEAT at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Bullard.

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