by This story is written and reported by Tom Withers of the associated press. Full author credit goes to Tom. Follow him here
Senior Gina Adams scored 16 points, junior Emma Hall made three 3-pointers and Westlake went on the road for a tough Southwestern Conference win, 44-39 over Amherst on Saturday.
Adams, who scored a career-high 36 in a win over North Ridgeville on Wednesday, and senior Stephanie Randar made sure the Lady Demons (10-3, 8-1 SWC) didn’t stumble in a physical matchup.
Leading just 19-17 at halftime, Westlake outscored Amherst 13-6 in the third quarter to open some breathing room. However, the Comets, led by Amaya Staton and Faith Lewis, stayed close.
The Lady Demons stretched their lead in the fourth with help from Randar, who had to leave the game in the second period after taking an elbow to the face and needing treatment.
She made a crucial putback and dropped a baseline jumper to keep Westlake in front.
Staton scored 16 and Lewis 12 for the Comets (5-4, 7-6). Hall added 11 for the Lady Demons, who made 17 of 20 free throws.
Westlake, whose only loss came to first-place Olmsted Falls, continues conference play on Jan. 15 against Lakewood.
GIRLS
Westlake 44, Amherst 39
WESTLAKE (10-3, 8-1 SWC): Adams 16, Hall 11, Randar 6, Carrington 6, Gardner 5.
AMHERST (7-6, 5-4) Staton 16, Lewis 12, Wright 4, Cairns 4, Alfrin 3.
Westlake 8 11 13 12 _ 44
Amherst 12 5. 6 16 _ 28
Free throws: Westlake 17 of 20, Amherst 2 of 8; 3-pointers: Westlake 3 (Hall 3), Amherst 3 (Lewis 2, Alf
