Fast start propels Arlington Bowie past Arlington Lamar

By Travis L. Brown

Special to the Star-Telegram

ARLINGTON -- Arlington Bowie's defensive pressure was all the Volunteers needed to roll past Arlington Lamar 67-30 and continue their undefeated run through District 3-5A.

However, almost as important to Bowie was notching its first victory at Lamar in two years.

"It's a great feeling," Bowie coach Kelly Carruthers said. "We haven't won here in two years. We came in with a goal in mind and that goal was to start out strong and finish strong."

Bowie (28-5, 13-0 in 3-5A) opened with a strong, full-court press and allowed Lamar (14-17, 8-5) to score only eight points in the first quarter.

Lamar turnovers became quick Bowie baskets by Jazmine Holman and Ashley Ferguson, who scored six points apiece in the opening quarter.

"Our defense turns into our offense, so we strive on full-court pressure, man-to-man, 94 feet," Carruthers said. "We look for steals, and we look for deflections, and our speed turns them into layups, so that's what we're looking for."

Ferguson finished with a game-high 17 points after the hot start.

Bowie also rode the deep scoring touch of Kaylen Taylor, who scored 12 points, all off 3-pointers, including three in the fourth quarter.

Elsie Ngomi led Lamar with nine points.

Carruthers said it's her team's unity that sets it apart from the past two teams that failed to win at Lamar and has kept this season's team undefeated in district play.

"They have a great bond," she said. "They get along really well, almost too well. They're just a great group of kids, and they work hard. They all have one goal in mind, and they put the team first."

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