The Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets earned a hard-fought 55-45 victory over the Zanesville Lady Blue Devils on Wednesday, January 15, thanks to strong individual performances and a well-rounded team effort. With the win, the Jackets improved to 10-4 on the season and 6-3 in Licking County League play, keeping them competitive in the league standings.
Mount Vernon was led by Kymber Bell, who posted an impressive double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Bell’s presence in the paint on both offense and defense proved crucial as the Jackets were able to control the boards and limit Zanesville’s second-chance opportunities. Her dominance under the basket helped Mount Vernon establish an early lead and maintain it throughout the game.
Hayley Burke was another key contributor to the victory, finishing with 13 points. Burke was especially effective from the free-throw line, where she went a perfect 10-of-10, helping to ice the game in the final minutes. Her ability to convert at the line when it mattered most allowed Mount Vernon to maintain its lead and secure the win despite Zanesville’s late-game push.
Isal Graham also had a strong performance, contributing 10 points to the offensive effort. Graham’s ability to score consistently kept the Jackets’ offense flowing and helped them build a comfortable lead by the third quarter. Additionally, Rees Lepley played a solid supporting role, adding 7 points to the team’s total, while Maddy Jones and Kaitlyn Thompson each chipped in with 6 and 4 points, respectively.
The Jackets’ offensive efficiency was a key factor in the win, as they shot 83% from the free-throw line, making 15 of 18 attempts. This strong free-throw shooting allowed them to hold off a late rally by Zanesville and finish the game on a high note. In contrast, Zanesville struggled at the line, which hindered their ability to mount a comeback in the second half.
Despite the loss, Zanesville had its own standout performances. The Lady Blue Devils fought hard throughout the game, but were ultimately unable to overcome Mount Vernon’s balanced scoring and defensive pressure. Zanesville’s defense made things difficult for the Jackets at times, but Mount Vernon’s depth and composure were key in weathering the challenges.
As the game progressed, Mount Vernon’s defense also stepped up, limiting Zanesville’s offensive opportunities and forcing them into tough shot selections. The Jackets’ ability to lock down on defense in critical moments was instrumental in their ability to close out the game with a 10-point lead.
With the win, Mount Vernon moves to 10-4 on the season and 6-3 in Licking County League play. The Jackets are in a strong position as they look ahead to the second half of the season, with their sights set on climbing higher in the league standings. Mount Vernon will continue to rely on its balanced offensive attack and tough defense as they aim to finish the season strong and make a push toward postseason play.
