The King’s Fork High School girls’ basketball team played its second game of a four-game week on Wednesday and its first crosstown contest of the year. Lakeland High School visited the Lady Bulldogs and was outmatched by its hosts, resulting in a 75-21 final score.

King’s Fork jumped out to a 31-5 lead entering the second quarter and extended it to 53-9 by halftime, giving a chance for its younger players to get substantial playing time.

“The young kids stepped up,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Maurice Fofana said.

“I just wanted them to play hard. They are one of the most talented groups that I’ve had, as far as young kids.”

Sophomore Latonia Thomas led King’s Fork with 20 points and added seven rebounds. Freshman Amesha Miller had 13 points, freshman Cydney Nichols had 10 and sophomore Jazlyn Dunn added nine points and 10 rebounds.

Fofana said he has been training them to function in a structured set-up on the court.

“They’ve come a long way from when I took them over in November,” he said.

Lakeland head coach Brandey Blunt said her team continues to start slow, taking the first half to get warmed up.

“I thought the defense was better in the second half,” she said.

The Lady Cavaliers did actually outscore their hosts 11-9 in the third quarter, but King’s Fork also removed its starters early in that period.

Lakeland has only one win so far this season, coming during a Christmas event in which it defeated Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School by the score of 39-34.

Blunt hopes to see more consistency from her team to support its leading scorer, senior Kyiesha Barrett, who had 10 points on Wednesday.

“I’m not asking them to be state champions,” Blunt said. “I’m just asking them to compete, to be competitive.”

Lakeland continues its conference play this evening at Phoebus High School. The Lady Bulldogs played there on Tuesday and won 73-46.

Fofana said it was the first time playing the Lady Phantoms. He was pleased with his team’s defense as he said, “We only allowed one kid to have double figures.”

For King’s Fork on the other hand, senior Khadedra Croker, who had 12 points against Lakeland, produced 19 to go with 15 rebounds against Phoebus. Nichols had 14 points and Thomas added 11.

King’s Fork (10-2, 2-0) will host Denbigh High School tonight and then participate in the Bulldog Showcase on Saturday.

Fofana explained the mindset he has imparted to his players during a four-game week.

“Get up early so we can rest late,” he said. “You definitely need to rest up to be ready for Lake Taylor (High School) on Saturday.”

Lake Taylor ended the Lady Bulldogs’ season last year in the regional quarterfinals and went on to win the state championship. Tip-off for their re-match on Saturday is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. at King’s Fork.