Written by: Danny Talbert
Junior guard Zyhia Johnson added another phenomenal performance to her LC Panther resume. She scored 29 points which heavily contributed to the 81-66 LC win. Laila Battle also had a great game against Berry College. The 2022-23 CCS Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year scored 20 points. Berry's leading scorer was Elly Callihan. She scored 23 points total.
First half details
Zyhia Johnson started the season off on fire, hitting back-to-back threes in the first two Panther possessions. Johnson scored 10 of the initial 12 LC points. The guard finished the first quarter with 10 points on 43% from the field and 50% from three, as well as three rebounds. The Vikings led the quarter 21-19. Johnson continued to dominate in the second quarter. A three, deep two-pointer and a steal which led to LC points, helped the Panthers on a 13-0 run to go up 32-21 in the second. Ema Turner came off the bench in the second quarter and also made some big plays. In the period, she accounted for two assists and made the one three she took. Johnson led the Panthers at halftime with 15 points while shooting 50% from three and the field. LC held a 37-28 lead at half.
Second half details
In the third, both teams traded points but LC was able to extend their lead to 48-35. Forward Amanda Mclendon made a guard-like play when she spun past her defender outside the arc to secure an and-one three point play. The sophomore led LC in points (8) in the third. She shot 100% from the field and 40% from the line. LC led 59-49 at the end of the quarter. Each team were trading points in the fourth quarter. With seven minutes left, Ema Turner again came off the bench and hit a nothing but net three pointer to push the Panthers lead to 67-54. During the last five minutes, LC moved into a half court press. This aggressive defense caused turnovers off of Berry's bad passes. LC was able to hold on to win 81-66.
Key Panther performances
Zyhia Johnson was today's most valuable Panther. She scored 29 points while shooting 41% from FG, 40% from three and 92% on the free throw line. She also accounted for six rebounds and one assist.
Amanda Mclendon also had a great game. She went 100% from the field and 40% from free throws on her way to eight points. Not only did she lead the team in rebounds, Mclendon played great one on one defense as well as help-defense when teammates needed it most. While she did not score as some other Panthers, her shots were well picked. She also had a team-high seven rebounds.
Laila Battle shot lights out all night. The only way Berry could hope to slow her down was by setting their feet in her lane to try to get a charge called. At times it worked, but it was not enough to stop her from scoring 20 points while shooting 50% from FG, 50% from three and 100% from the free throw line.
Next game details
LC stays at home to face Sewanee at 3 p.m. (Nov. 12). The game can be streamed here.
