The Mathews High School jayvee girls’ basketball team turned a close game at halftime into a dominating second-half effort to up its record to 6–0, beating Northumberland, 28-16.

MHS took a narrow 12-11 lead over the visiting Indians at the half. The Lady Devils overpowered Northumberland 12-1 in the third quarter on the way to victory.

"Our entire team’s progress is based on how well we play defense," said MHS jayvee coach Tommy Eriksen. "When we rotate, box out and play hard, we are a very strong team. When we don’t do those things on the defensive end, we struggle. We are very solid throughout our entire lineup and are getting great leadership from our older girls and a lot of fight and determination from our seven eighth graders. This group of eighth graders is extremely talented, the only thing missing from them is learning the plays completely and being focused during practices."

Mathews had balanced scoring, led by Madison Owens with eight points and Keely Crittenden, Maria Spadaccini, Hunter Thomas and Madison South with four points each. Mariah Robinson and Veronica Cosby added two each. In the team’s first six games, five different girls have led the team in scoring.

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