9-1. Dominance. We Protected Our Home Court.

Another game, another decisive victory. We defended Randy Vernon Court, defeating Indiana University Southeast 87-56. That’s a 31-point win. We’re now 9-1 on the season. This is the standard. This is how we execute.

First Quarter: We Set the Tone Early

We came out with the intensity we demand. From the opening tip, we imposed our will, quickly establishing a 10-0 lead within the first four minutes. Jaydyn Carrico got us on the board, Lakin Burke followed with a put-back, and Darcie Anderson sparked us with a three-pointer, a steal, and an assist. We forced turnovers, capitalized on offensive rebounds, and Fredricks asserted herself inside. We finished the quarter with a commanding 28-15 lead, shooting an outstanding 50% from the field and 80% from three. That’s how you start a game.

Second Quarter: A Lapse, Then a Response

We had a lapse. Indiana Southeast showed some fight, going on a 13-3 run midway through the quarter to cut our lead to just three points. That’s a lack of focus. That’s not acceptable. But this team knows how to respond. We immediately answered with a 5-0 run to close the half, including a clutch three from Darcie Anderson, pushing our lead back to double-digits at 45-35. We weathered their best shot and maintained control. That’s championship character, but the lapse itself needs to be addressed.

Third Quarter: We Shut Them Down. Period.

This is where we broke their will. We came out of halftime and completely dominated, holding Indiana Southeast to a pathetic 7 points in the entire quarter. That’s elite defense. We extended our lead from 16 to 25 points (67-42) by the end of the third. Carrico was active, Anderson delivered a critical block, and we simply out-physicaled them on every possession. This is the kind of suffocating defense we expect for 40 minutes.

Fourth Quarter: Finishing the Job

With the game firmly in hand, we continued to execute. Joy Kendrick knocked down a three, and Zaram Fredricks continued her work inside, setting up Anderson for a layup. We maintained a lead as large as 33 points, with MacKenzie Babb and Alexia Wilson closing out the game with efficient scoring. We finished the game shooting 64.29% from the field in the final frame, not allowing any late comebacks. We finished strong.

The Execution Report: How We Dominated

This was a victory built on controlling the paint, suffocating defense, and balanced offensive aggression.

  • Absolute Domination on the Glass: We outrebounded Indiana Southeast by a staggering 56-22. This is a two-to-one advantage. We grabbed 19 offensive rebounds (to their 7), leading directly to 20 second-chance points (to their 3). When you control the boards, you control the game. Period.
  • Owned the Paint: We dictated the game inside, outscoring them 40-14 in points in the paint. Our forwards asserted their physical will.
  • Lights-Out Shooting: We shot 49.2% from the field and an outstanding 52.6% from three-point range (10-for-19). We forced them to respect every player on the floor.
  • Bench Depth: Our reserves were instrumental, outscoring their bench 29-2. That’s the depth that wins championships.

Individual Performance Review: Doing Their Job

  • Zaram Fredricks (#14): A dominant force. Her fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and a game-high 17 rebounds (8 offensive). She controlled the paint, intimidated shooters, and was relentless on the glass. That’s the standard.
  • Lakin Burke (#20): Another double-double, recording 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds (5 offensive) in just 22 minutes. Her effort and efficiency off the bench were critical.
  • Joy Kendrick (#05): The floor general. She orchestrated the offense with 6 assists, scored 14 points, and pulled down 8 rebounds. She dictated the tempo and made plays.
  • Aden Clark (#08): A huge offensive spark. She poured in 14 points, hitting 4 of her 6 three-point attempts, and added 6 assists. She stretched their defense and found open teammates.
  • Darcie Anderson (#02): An all-around impactful performance with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. She was everywhere, making plays on both ends.
  • Jaydyn Carrico (#03): Contributed 10 points and 3 assists, providing consistent scoring.

Areas for Correction

Even in a 31-point win, we’re not satisfied.

  • Turnovers: We had 18 turnovers. That’s too many. We need to value the basketball more consistently. Every possession matters.
  • Free Throw Shooting: 13-for-20 (65%) is still not where we need to be. We left points on the board. This comes down to focus and repetition.
  • Defensive Lapses: The brief run they had in the second quarter. Elite teams play 40 minutes of suffocating defense.

Next Up

The Patriots are done for a holiday break. The next game is December 2 vs Washington Adventist University.

Patriots Nation Player of the Game

Lakin Burke

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