Lady Lions struggle with multiple injuries

An open date came at a good time for theAlbany Lady Lions basketball team, which has been inundated with injuries this season.

The Lady Lions returned to District 10-2A action Tuesday, Jan. 9, with a 73-18 loss at Stamford. Details will be reported next week.

On Friday, Jan. 12, Albany will host Anson.

‘The open date came at a great time just to try get some kids back healthy,” coach Brad Stautzenbergersaid.“Itgaveus a chance to regain our composure a little bit and get ready for the rest of district.”

The game against Anson marks the end of the first half of the district schedule.

In their first outing of the new year, the Lady Lions lost 50-36 to Hamlin. The rash of injuries plaguing Albany increased over the holiday break when two more players were sidelined after an auto accident.

The situation forced Stautzenberger to suit up five freshmen who began the season on JV to provide depth against Hamlin.

“They really hustled for the team,” Stautzenberger said. “It’s going to change the game a little bit, but it’s looking better for the future.”

The situation likely means the end of the JV schedule. The junior varsity last played Dec. 12 at Cisco before games against Hawley and Haskell.

The Lady Lions did not field a junior varsity in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons because of low numbers, making this the third consecutive season the program has not played a full JV schedule.

Against Hamlin, Albany trailed 9-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Pipers took control with a 20-8 edge in the second quarter to lead 29-11 at halftime.

Kiana Roberson scored 22 points to lead the Lady Lions. Three other players scored four points apiece.

HAMLIN 50, ALBANY 36 ALBANY – Kiana Roberson 22, Madi Parrott 4, Zayne Lefevre 4, Braylyn Abbate 4, Avery Everitt 2.

Hamilton 9 20 13 8 - 50 Albany 3 8 12 13 - 36