Lancers win laughers

LOVINGSTON — Amherst’s boys’ basketball team ran away from host Nelson County in an 86-48 victory Thursday as part of a boysgirls doubleheader between the two Route 29 rivals.

The Lancers (6-1) were off and running in the first quarter, taking full advantage of their speed to get several easy baskets in transition or on fast-breaks. In addition, Amherst was knocking down shots.

Ashton Brown had 10 of his 13 points in the first quarter, including two of his three 3-pointers to help the Lancers build a 22-14 lead going into the second quarter.

“Last year we fought for our lives to get out of here with a win, but this group of kids is special … they came up here ready to play and had some fire in them,” Lancers coach Eddie Carter said. “They impressed me tonight and I’m hard to impress. Just ask them.”

Complementing its offense, Amherst used a stifling defense that led to easy buckets. The Lancers held Nelson to just five points in the second quarter and went into the half leading 44-19. After the third quarter, Amherst held a convincing 69-34 edge.

“They are a tough team and we don’t match up good with them,” Governors coach Brandon Garrett said. “Our guys are six foot and their guys are six-two, six-three or six-four, and their shots were falling early. They were getting after it and we weren’t. Probably everything that could go wrong did go wrong.”

TylerVest led Nelson County with 16 points. Brandon Gray added nine points, all on 3-pointers, and Ryan Shifflett finished with 12. Amherst’s John Dews led all scorers with 21 points, including three 3-pointers. Jeremy Darby chipped in with 15.

Girls Amherst 46, Nelson 22

After a back-and-forth first half, Amherst raced past Nelson en route to the 24-point win.

The Lady Govs pulled to within one point early in the third quarter, but the Lancers closed out the period with a 12-0 run and led by double digits for the remainder of the contest.

“We couldn’t put the ball in the basket and we couldn’t make a free throw,” Nelson coach Debbie Whitmore said. “We didn’t take it with a confidence we needed tonight.”

Freshman Brianna Jackson led the Lady Govs with six points. Nelson will look for revenge next Friday night on the Lancers’ home floor.