Staunch defense pushes Lady Bucs to win

Hoover’s stifling defense was the story, as the Lady Bucs defeated Bob Jones, 42-18, on Friday afternoon in the Class 7A Northwest Regional Semifinals at Wallace State Community College.

“Just proud of our girls, especially on the defensive end. That’s where we pride ourselves,” Hoover head coach Tiffany Frederick said.

The game got off to a slow start for both teams, as neither offense could get into a rhythm. Bob Jones led 6-4 after a quarter of play.

Hoover shot just 17% in the first half, but never let that affect play on the defensive side.

“It says a lot about their resiliency and believing in what we do,” Frederick said. “I never doubted them or got down on them. I kept telling them this is not us. We have to do what we do well.”

The Lady Bucs turned it on in the third quarter. Hoover held Bob Jones to a combined five points in the second and third quarters, bridging the two halves with a 25-5 run, led by a pair of sisters.

Senior Jailyn Maddox and freshman Joiya Maddox ended the game as the only two Hoover players in double figures. Jailyn, a VCU signee, scored 19 points, hitting all ten of her free throws and swiping five steals. Joiya stepped up and provided ten points on 4-of-6 shooting.

“Hats off to both of them. Joiya’s a freshman, and she stepped up in this moment,” Frederick said.

The elder Maddox could be seen encouraging teammates throughout the game, even when things were not going well early. She credits her experience to helping the team remain calm.

“Definitely. This is my third time being here. I know for some of the younger ones -- when I was a sophomore here, I was shocked. I know it’s my role being here to understand that they may be feeling that and keep them positive.” Jailyn Maddox said.

A 27-10 advantage in the second half proved to be the difference, as the offense caught up to the defense.

“We picked it up and actually started running our offense,” Joiya Maddox said.

Eboni Williams scored just two points for Hoover, but chipped in seven rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Kendra Langham scored five and added three rebounds.

Tyler Fredericks led Bob Jones with seven points.

Hoover advances to the Regional Final, where the Lady Bucs will play Hazel Green at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, also at Wallace State.