Baldwin’s Janaye Walker and Kassidy Neal each posted a double-double as Class 4A’s top-ranked Bravettes routed Lowndes at the Holy Innocents’ MLK Classic.
The talented junior duo helped Baldwin defeat Class 7A’s Lady Vikings 75-50, marking their 10th victory in a row. The Bravettes got their 11th straight win over Howard the next day.
“I’m not surprised by their performances,” Baldwin head coach Kizzy Walker said of Walker and Neal. “They’re very consistent and played well today, especially down low for us.”
The game was never in doubt, with the Bravettes leading for the majority of it. They held a 23-10 advantage after the first quarter, powered by Neal and senior point Madison Ruff.
In the second quarter, Walker took over in the paint, as Baldwin then led by 13 at the half. Lowndes couldn’t stop the Bravettes’ high-powered offensive attack in the second half, either.
The Lady Vikings ended the third quarter on a 6-0 run, but the damage was already done. The deficit was too large as they trailed Baldwin by 18 points entering the fourth quarter.
Baldwin’s dominance in the final quarter didn’t stop, either. The Bravettes kept on bullying Lowndes, scoring another 23 points.
Neal finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. Walker totaled 13 points and 12 boards, with two assists and two steals in the 25-point win.
Madison Ruff was also impactful, leading Baldwin with 16 points, with 10 coming in the first quarter. The guard totaled six rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block as well.
Fellow senior Jasmine Williams added nine points, all of which came from the 3-point line. She was perfect from that mark but also had two rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Walker acknowledged that she is blessed to have that many weapons on her roster.
“I think from year to year, we keep getting better and better,” Walker said. “I think the nerves from big games are not as big anymore because they were young and going to the state playoffs. Back then, it took a toll on them mentally, but now I think they’re ready.”
After getting knocked out in the semifinals two years ago and getting beat in the finals last season, Walker is ready to see her team take the next step and win a Class 4A state title.
Walker said this year’s group is special and is starting to peak at the right time of the season.
“I think they’re more focused. They’re ready to win,” Walker said. “Everyone has been talking about a state championship and so I think it’s driving them to work harder and do better. I pray that we just keep it together so that we can make it to the big dance and win.”