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By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

The Verbena High School varsity girls’ basketball team got to the free throw line early and often against Holtville, but fell 60-17 to the Bulldogs on Nov. 17. Malaysia White led the Red Devils with nine points, all coming from the free throw line in the first half.

Verbena is tasked with replacing 2021 Chilton County co-player of the year Jasmyn White this season. White was over a 2,000-point career scorer for the Red Devils, and averaged 24.4 point per game last season.

“We are getting better, and Jasmyn White was our big player from last year, so we trying to fill some big shoes,” Verbena coach Ashlin Castleberry said. “I think we are going to get there, it will just take some time.”

Holtville jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead before two free throws from Malaysia White got Verbena its first points on the board. Holtville outscored the Red Devils 20-2 the remainder of the first quarter to hold a 25-4 lead.

Malaysia White added five more free throws in the second quarter. Paris Battle and Gabby Waters each knocked in one free throw in the quarter to send Verbena to the halftime break down 48-11.

Holtville began the second half on a 6-0 run before Jatahja White put in a layup for the first Red Devils field goal in the game.

“We have started to run a new offense to try and get some good looks,” Castleberry said. “We just have to get our girls more comfortable shooting.”

Verbena’s defense bowed up more in the second half holding Holtville to 22 points in the half. Battle knocked down a 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter. Battle had four points in the game. Aliyah Goodson put in a free throw in the fourth quarter.

Verbena (0-2) travels to Jemison High School on Nov. 18 for its next matchup at 5 p.m. Holtville (1-0) travels to Shelby County High School on the same day at 5:30 p.m.