BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Fans poured in Saturday to witness history at Martin County High School. The OnPoint Swish played Kentucky’s first women’s professional home game against the Raleigh Aces.
The home team did not get the outcome they wanted, but both teams put on a show.
The Aces shot an unheard-of 84% from behind the arc and hit 22 of 26 three-point shots in their 128-84 win.
Their shooting performance is something possibly never witnessed at any level of basketball. In the first quarter alone, they hit seven 3s for a 36-19 lead.
OnPoint started to come alive in the second when Dena Jarrells nailed two 3-pointers. This was on top of her behind-the-back assist under the basket.
Jarrells hit a floater at the halftime buzzer to continue the momentum for the Swish.
“I’m 45 minutes from where I grew up so it’s great to be back here,” Jarrells said. “I’ve enjoyed playing with Carla. I watched her when I was growing up.”
The two did not meet until Jarrells was in college and they did a camp together. The friendship grew after that.
Jarrells began her career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She then transferred to Division I Youngstown State in the Horizon League for her final two seasons.
Jarrells attributes a lot of her work ethic to her mother.
“I’ve been playing since I was four,” she said. “My mom pushed me and had a ball in my hand every day, rain or shine.”
The crafty guard finished the game with 16 points, three assists, two steals and a rebound.
The Raleigh Aces head coach Tee Hopkins is in his second season in the WABA.
On coaching a game in eastern Kentucky, he said, “It’s different. We came here to showcase our talent and put my team on notice. They got the job done.”
Ace Tiana Edwards led all scorers with 40 points in front of the large Martin County crowd.
Former Kentucky Wildcats player Makayla Epps made her first trip to Inez for the game.
“I’m excited to be this far east in Kentucky and be able to give back to this great part of the state that I know loves basketball,” Epps commented. “We came out a little sluggish but hats off to the Aces. They shot the skin off the ball today.”
The Swish head coach Jason Wefenstette has been coaching for 18 years. His last five have been on the Cardinals sideline with Hall of Famer Robin Newsome.
“I was elated to be asked by Carla (Booth) to coach this team,” Coach Wefenstette said.
“We came out and played a very good team and they did something I’ve never seen a team do before. Anytime you shoot 84% from anywhere, you have a good chance of winning,” he continued.
“We want to thank everyone who came out to support us today. We have three more home games and want to invite everyone in the community back out here to watch some great basketball.”
Javonna Layfield led OnPoint with 18 points, three rebounds and a steal.
Team organizer Carla Booth poured in 16 points along with five rebounds and a steal.
Epps contributed nine points and three rebounds.
Dasia Thornton tossed in eight points, pulled down four boards, had two assists and a block.
E’moni Washington had seven points. Taylor Pearson had five. Ri-Chiel McGraw added three and Kennedi Stacy put two on the board.
The team will have a rematch with the Aces in Raleigh this Saturday.
On Aug. 3, the Swish will be back in Inez to face off against Gastonia. The first 50 school-aged children to enter the doors will get in for free.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
